July 20, 2010
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SHERIFF’S OFFICE’S CITIZENS ACADEMY GRADUATES 30

 Many citizens in Volusia County don’t know about all of the several services the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office provides, but Monday night that changed for 30 County residents. Sheriff Ben Johnson presided over the graduation of the inaugural Citizens Academy at the Deputy Stephen Saboda Training Center in Daytona Beach, wrapping up a 30-hour class run over the course of the past 10 consecutive Mondays. The free Academy gave these graduates a unique behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the Sheriff’s Office from narcotics investigations to K-9 training to weapons safety and everything in between. 

More than 100 people had applied for the classes, Sheriff Johnson said, and there is already a waiting list for the next Academy. “We know this program was worthwhile and valuable when we see so many of you staying after class time was over to ask more questions,” Sheriff Johnson told the graduates. He went on to say that the Academy was just as important to him and his staff. “We listen to the people out there watching us, and we want the people helping.” 

The Academy showed citizens the many facets of the vast Sheriff’s Office operations. Participants toured the busiest law enforcement dispatch center in the County. They rode along with deputies conducting their regular patrols. The citizens saw how deputies served rural county areas and provided law enforcement services under contract to the cities of Deltona, DeBary and Pierson. They saw SWAT, bomb team, motorcycle and K-9 demonstrations, participated in hands-on exercises, such as processing a crime scene, and trained on the Sheriff’s Office’s firearms and driving simulators. Through these classes, residents got to know the deputies and learn valuable information that will help keep the community safe. 

“Thank you for the time you spent with us,” Sheriff Johnson said. “I and my instructors will never forget you.” 

The next Academy, scheduled to start Aug. 3, is already full, but applications are being accepted for future Academies. Free of charge, the Citizens Academy runs for 10 consecutive Monday evenings, between 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18-years-old and will be required to undergo a background check. Applications can be obtained at  http://www.volusia.org/sheriff/CITIZENSACADEMYAPPLICATION.pdf. Completed application forms can be mailed to the following address:

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
Citizens Academy
P.O. Box 569
DeLand, FL 32721-0569