3rd annual Winston County Jr. Deputy Academy

WINSTON COUNTY, Miss.(WCBI) – The Winston County Sheriff’s Office is preparing to graduate 23 new Jr. deputies this year.

The 3rd annual Jr. Deputy Academy welcomed kids from all over the area to learn from the experts.

This year cadets got to hear and see, first hand, the importance of practicing safety from the Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks, Louisville Fire Department, Troop G Mississippi Highway Patrol, Air-care and many others.

The cadets got hands on experience with first responders as well as the emergency vehicles and equipment used to save lives.

It was an experience the department hopes will stick with the kids for a long time.

“It was pretty cool doing all this that we’ve done today and the past few days. It was cool getting the hands on experience especially with the game warden, then the highway patrol and the helicopter,” said Jr. Deputy Austin Forsythe.

“It’s really important that they learn how to interact with law enforcement, with fire personnel, with ambulance personnel and to know that we’re their friend,” said Winston County Sheriff Deputy Jason Pugh.

The graduation ceremony will be held Friday afternoon at South Louisville Baptist Church.