Rutherford Times

New patrol deputies complete orientation program

 Five patrol deputies in training received badges from Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh Friday.

 The sheriff presented the badges to new patrol deputies are Racheal Hutson, Robert Neal, Trace Sexton, Christian Salter and Mason Wright.

 Fitzhugh reviewed the constitutional duties of the sheriff to patrol the county, operate the jail, provide security to the courts and serve warrants.

“I commend you,” Fitzhugh said. “I think you’re going to enter into an exciting time in your life.”

 Patrol Sgt. Sean Vinson said the new deputies underwent eight weeks of training in the orientation program covering topics such as traffic stops, crime scene actions, reactions to different scenarios and response to domestic calls, suicidal people and behavioral issues.

 They will spend the next two weeks with field training officers.

Hutson, Sexton, Salter and Wright will begin the 12-week course to become state-certified officers at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. Neal will attend the next class.

Once completing the academy, the new deputies will be evaluated by a field training officer.

Mason said he spent time with SRO Dallen Miller when he attended Riverdale High School and military personnel who guided him to law enforcement.

“I figured I wanted to do policing,” Mason said.

Neal said he hopes to take his training from the Tennessee National Guard and transfer those skills to law enforcement.

Sexton, who worked in detention and booking for two years, said he wants to “protect the ones who cannot protect themselves.”

Hutson, who was promoted from detention and booking, said she wanted to “serve the community and serve with my brothers and sisters in blue.”

Salter, who worked in detention, said he has many mentors at the Sheriff’s Office. 

“What a better place to protect and serve my community?” Salter said.

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