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The largest class of cadets on record at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is set to graduate on Friday, April 18, after 30 weeks of rigorous training.
The class of 45 is also one of the most diverse sets of recruits the agency has welcomed. Among the cadets is Deputy Stephanie Sanders, a cancer survivor, Deputies Randy Jackson and Javere Smith, who are former Division I football players, 10 military veterans, 12 females, French and Spanish speakers, two female cadets who are natives of Peru and a male cadet who immigrated from Cameroon just two years ago. Over the course of their training, the graduating cadets logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours, the most of any previous class.
"This graduating class is an amazing reflection of the community that they will one day serve. We have people of diverse gender and ethnic backgrounds with life experiences that make them relatable to our citizens," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This new crop of recruits will help boost our response time and prevent crime, so ultimately, our citizens are benefiting from our agency's growth."
With such a large class, the graduation ceremony was moved from an HCSO facility to the Strawberry Festival Expo Hall in Plant City. The cadets will graduate before their families, friends and HCSO Command Staff at 10 a.m. on Friday.