PORT ORCHARD – Kitsap County Sheriff Gary Simpson is pleased to announce that four of the agency’s newest sheriff’s deputies have completed state required basic police training.

Deputy Sheriff Alex Breitmayer, Deputy Sheriff Austin Hewitt, Deputy Sheriff Stephen Russell and Deputy Sheriff Dereck Smith were members of Class 715, consisting of 30 law enforcement recruits from agencies around the state.

A graduation ceremony was held early June 11 afternoon before family members, friends and law enforcement officials at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy, located in Burien.

The newly state certified peace officers have returned to the sheriff’s patrol division and are continuing with their agency field training to qualify for solo patrol.

The basic law enforcement academy consists of 720 hours of intense academic and skills training during a 19 week course.

Recruits are trained in multiple subjects including criminal law and procedures and criminal investigations, cultural awareness and communications skills, crisis intervention, traffic investigation and enforcement, patrol procedures, emergency vehicle operations, firearms and defensive tactics.

Additional academic instruction in various law enforcement related subjects are provided by adjunct instructors from state and local agencies.

“I am very proud of them,” said Simpson, “During the many weeks of being away from home, they maintained their personal commitments to both the communities they serve and their families. It is always helpful when a recruit has a supportive family who fully understands the rigors these deputies undergo while attending academy training. We look forward to the completion of their field training program and hitting the streets.”

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office currently has three, recently hired, entry-level student deputies who will begin their formalized state training at the basic law enforcement academy in the coming months.

Additionally, two veteran law enforcement officers recently transferred to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and are currently undergoing agency field training before assuming solo patrol duties.

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek qualified men and women to join our team. Those who are interested in a career with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office are encouraged to visit our website at www.kitsapsheriff.com for details.