Earlier this morning two new sheriff’s deputies were recognized at a ceremony held in Plainfield, Indiana after successfully completing the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Basic Training Course.
Deputy Nicholas Helfert and Deputy Cody Brandenstein were among 162 recruits from across the state graduating from the 219th ILEA Basic Training Session. Deputy Helfert was also recognized with the distinction of “top gun” after obtaining the highest overall score for marksmanship in his academy class. Additionally, Deputy Helfert was ranked third in academics when compared to his peers.
As his last official act as chief deputy, Lt. Colonel John Strange attended the graduation and offered his congratulations to both deputies on their accomplishments.
Sheriff Dave Wedding stated, “Our selection process is designed to ensure we hire only the most qualified candidates for the position of deputy sheriff. Graduating new deputies from the academy is the first step towards the end goal of fielding competent and skilled law enforcement professionals to protect Vanderburgh County.”
Deputy Helfert and Deputy Brandenstein will report to our Deputy Training School next week and begin the next phase in the year long process of becoming a merit deputy sheriff.
Pictured above from left to right: Lt. Colonel John Strange, Deputy Nicholas Helfert, Deputy Cody Brandenstein, Sgt. Stetsun Sunderman
Pictured above: Deputy Nicholas Helfert receives the “Top Gun” award.
-END-