Sheriff Sean Casey is proud to announce that three deputy sheriffs recently graduated from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, with one graduate earning top honors in physical fitness.

Deputy Jones, Deputy Philpott, and Deputy Washington, along with their classmates in Session 153 of the Basic Law Enforcement School, celebrated their graduation at a December 15 ceremony in Leesburg.

Ceremony highlights included a keynote speech by retired U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger and the presentation of achievement awards. Deputy Washington received the first-place award for human performance among male recruits.

The graduates successfully completed 20 weeks of training, including emergency vehicle operations, firearms training, defensive and control tactics, crash investigation, de-escalation techniques, active bystandership, basic legal training, and effective service to diverse communities. All three deputies previously completed state-mandated basic training in jail operations, court security, and civil process.

They will now complete law enforcement field training before returning to their regular assignments.

Photo: (l-r) Chief Deputy Dave Cutting, Deputy Jones, Deputy Philpott, Deputy Washington and Undersheriff Dan Gordon