Sheriff Dana Lawhorne joined his command and training staff at the June 14 graduation ceremony at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Sheriff Lawhorne congratulated Deputy Mark Gonzalez, Deputy Daniel Mendez, and Deputy Patrick Ruleman on their academy graduation.

The new deputies successfully completed five months of intensive and thorough training, including emergency vehicle operations, firearms training, defensive and control tactics, de-escalation techniques, crash investigation, basic legal training, and other important areas.

Upon returning to the Sheriff’s Office, all  three deputies will continue with field training before beginning their permanent assignment.

Anyone interested in becoming an Alexandria deputy sheriff is encouraged to learn more and apply online.

Photo: (l-r) Deputy Mark Gonzalez, Deputy Daniel Mendez and Deputy Patrick Ruleman are congratulated by Sheriff Dana Lawhorne.