Virginian-Pilot: CSO honors graduates of Elite Unit

By Cindy Butler Focke Virginian-Pilot Correspondent | Nov 18, 2021 at 1:11 PM

It’s official. Some very special friendly faces will soon grace community events as cadets alongside deputies from the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office.

Kaitlin Dykes was one of 14 who were sworn in during the first-ever Elite Unit graduation ceremony Nov. 4. She was all smiles when she was recognized for Best Overall Performance in the program.

“I like being a part of the city and working along with the Sheriff’s Office,” said the 24-year-old Great Bridge resident.

Ashley Dykes followed her twin sister around as she mingled and moved through the crowd in the Chesapeake City Council chambers after the ceremony.

Her sister will “make a great deputy,” she said.  “She has never met a stranger.”

The special unit was established by Sheriff Jim O’Sullivan to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience the various duties of a law enforcement officer. The special academy was cut short in early 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in July.

During the eight-week training session, cadets learned about public speaking, marching in formation, defensive tactics, physical training, fitness, nutrition, community service and more. Each passed a final test about law, policy and procedures.

Class president Javonta Riddick received the Shining Star award voted on by his peers. The 27-year-old South Norfolk resident said he’s been interested in learning about the police and sheriff departments since childhood. The program entailed a lot of hard work, but was worth every second, he said: “I never thought I would be in a full uniform. I feel good.”

Each graduate walked to the podium for a certificate of graduation. Many gave the sheriff a hug and high-fived friends and family members on the way back to their seats.

“I can’t wait to attend community events with the deputies,” said graduate Tanner Strickland, who was named Most Spirited and was applauded for having a positive attitude and “a heart for helping others.”

Amanda Campbell of Western Branch had quite an entourage in the audience. Her boyfriend, Jason Kearns, couldn’t wait to present her with a bouquet of flowers, while her mother, Susan Campbell, smiled proudly. “She has really enjoyed this,” she said.

Billie Miller called her 20-year-old daughter, Mary, “my goodwill ambassador.” They live in Hampton and thought the opportunity to serve others was perfect for Mary. “She wants to help people,” her mother said. “And to see her experience the camaraderie; it makes me feel good.”

Mary and others with disabilities “can do things just as everyone else can, just at their own pace,” she said.

The Elite Unit will report for volunteer duty at events in two teams, each led by graduates Matt Burk and Kaitlin Dykes. First up was the Nov. 20 Chesapeake Sheriff’s Oyster and South Festival, and they also plan to march in the Dec. 4 Chesapeake Rotary Christmas parade, plus more events in 2022.

Master of ceremonies Maj. David Rosado said the academy graduates will do great things for the community.

“Did you see the fire in their eyes? The sparkle?” he asked. “We saw it every time they trained.”

O’Sullivan told the group he also learned a lot through the program. “You taught me to be a better person and a better leader,” he said. The new cadets are role models, he said: “These individuals make our country a better place.”

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Cindy Butler Focke, fockecindy@gmail.com

Elite Unit graduates

Matt Burk

Kaitlin Dykes

Chad Allen

Bryan Asfour

Kelly Bradshaw

Amanda Campbell

Evan Forcier

Brendan Kelly

Raevyn Love

Mary Miller

Shayla Parks

Javonta Riddick

Tanner Strickland

Robert Waller

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