Week 17

17 weeks down, one to go. Next week, the 21st Session Deputy Training Academy graduates. The trainees will finally earn their badges after 17 weeks of blood, sweat, tears, and memories. The academy was closed Monday for Labor Day, the perfect slow start to their second to last week as trainees. Tuesday and Wednesday focused on Crisis Intervention Training and a review of everything they’ve learned up to now. But as Thursday dawned, the mood took an anxious shift. One FINAL, intimidating hurdle between them and graduation remained: taser training.

Throughout the morning, instructors taught the logistics, mechanics, and procedures involving tasers. They learned how to approach a dangerous suspect, aim and deploy the taser in the most safe and efficient way possible, and then safely remove the charges. To gain their taser certification, the trainees each had to get tased twice. The reason behind this training requirement is to teach the trainees how to react and fight through the feeling should an assailant grab their taser during a struggle. However, it also is to teach restraint. Like with OC spray, law enforcement officers must experience it themselves, so they know firsthand how important it is to render aid quickly.

As each group member waited for their turn, the mood in the classroom was surprisingly upbeat. They laughed at inside jokes and recounted their favorite (and least favorite) parts of the academy.

“Least favorite? OC spray. You could not pay me enough to do it again,” one trainee joked.

They spoke about their hopes for their careers after graduation. Many mentioned wanting to get dual-certified through the Chesapeake Police Department as soon as they were eligible, even though that would mean completing ANOTHER academy. (Earning a dual law enforcement certification opens new career options in the sheriff’s office. All civil enforcement deputies, school resource officers, and fugitive squad investigators MUST be dual-certified.)

“All of the advice was helpful. Everything from powerpoints to practicals; we’re going to use all of the lessons every day starting next week.”

They all expressed eagerness to graduate but a bittersweet feeling about leaving behind the academy and the close-knit group they’d become.

“With the camaraderie we built, you learn you can really rely on your teammates. That was especially important with building clearing,” commented one trainee. “Cause that’s what we’ll be doing from now on… relying on each other.”

“I feel good; I DEFINITELY feel better than I did in week one. I had thoughts of quitting, but I’m glad I stuck through it,” said another trainee. “It was worth it. Now, I’m about to graduate and live one of my dreams.”

They completed their NIMS (National Incident Management System) training on Friday. Now, all that stands between them and graduation is a final fitting for their uniforms and a class photo.

One week to go, 21st Session!