Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards announced the addition of Jackson Ellis and Cody Mathews to the sheriff’s office patrol division following their graduation from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy.

Both deputies completed the academy on May 13, earning Level 1 Certification for Basic Law Enforcement Peace Officers through the Louisiana POST Council. A graduation ceremony recognizing the 16-member class was held May 14.

Deputy Cody Mathews received special recognition during the ceremony, earning the academy’s Academic Award for outstanding classroom performance.

The 14-week academy, directed by Captain Avery Leary, included more than 500 hours of training covering officer survival, active shooter response, firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, criminal law, patrol procedures, investigations, report writing, first aid/CPR, physical fitness and more.

Sheriff Edwards said continued training remains critical in preparing deputies to serve the community safely and professionally.