Bristol County Sheriff’s Office welcomes 8 new corrections officers after completion of Academy

DARTMOUTH – William DeSilva pulled his prepared remarks out of his breast pocket and turned to the crowd.

The valedictorian of the 52nd Bristol County Corrections Officer Academy placed his hands on the sides of the podium. He spoke into the microphone, sharing lessons learned over the course of his eight weeks of training.

He thanked Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson, Supt. Steven Souza, the training division and his classmates, but he saved the best for last.

“I want to thank my mom and dad for instilling in me the work ethic and determination that got me through this academy,” he said to the smiling crowd and proud family members.

On the night Officer DeSilva thanked his family, the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office welcomed eight new members to its own: DeSilva, Joshua Garcia, Rabigar Garcia, Roshawn Groce, Owen Harrington, Angelis Hernandez, Brandon McNeil and Mathew Palin.

The class spent the last few months performing team-building exercises mixed with hands-on and academic lessons in communications, mental health awareness, defensive tactics, policy and procedure, first aid, searches and more.

Training Academy Director Lt. Robert Matos thanked the other instructors – Sgt. Amanda Custodio and Officers Curtis Mateus and Stephen Aranda – for their hard work and more than 30 years of combined experience in every corner of the facility. He concluded his remarks by urging the graduates to work toward their goals.

“There are a lot of opportunities here at the Sheriff’s Office. You can become a K-9 Officer, a member of the training division, a supervisor,” he said. “Whatever those goals are, set them and strive to achieve them.”

The graduation ceremony also marked Sheriff Hodgson’s last commencement as his term ends in January after 25 years. He congratulated the graduates and urged them to work together and lean on one another in their careers. He also reflected on the many graduations he’s presided over.

“Being here, celebrating with your family and friends as you become a member of our Bristol County Sheriff’s Office family means so much to me. It always has and always will,” he said to the graduates. “Being the Sheriff of Bristol County has been the biggest honor of my life. I hope that our graduates today feel the same pride, professionalism and compassion I felt every day for the last quarter century.”