Loudoun County Sheriff’s recruits took the top academic spots at the 118th session of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Deputy Sheriff School.
Loudoun recruit Deputy Gutshall received the Directors Award for the Basic Deputy Sheriff School for being first in his class in the session. This award is based on the highest overall academic score taken from grades achieved in the academic exams, firearms training, and driver training. Loudoun Sheriff’s recruits took the top three spots in this category and a majority of the top ten.
Deputy Gutshall was also presented with the Thomas L. Shaw Award, which is the highest honor in the class and was awarded through a vote of his peers. This award is in honor of Thomas L. Shaw and recognizes his 36 years of service to the Northern Virginia region in the Criminal Justice arena. Mr. Shaw’s commitment to the preparation of law enforcement professionals was integral to the development and implementation of rigorous training standards in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The student body selected Gutshall as they feel he best exhibits the potential to meet those standards set by Mr. Shaw.
“Our class rankings demonstrate why the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to be one of the finest law enforcement agencies in Virginia,” said Sheriff Steve Simpson. “Loudoun’s recruits consistently place in the top 5 of the combined academy graduates,” he added.
Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies also took a leadership role with recruit Deputy Timothy Iversen serving as vice-president.
The recruits, who are now state certified in basic law enforcement, are Richard W. Balsley, Wade V. Boyer, Milton A. Castelle II, Michele B. Christie, James F. Cummings, James Gutshall, Jeffrey L. Haig, Jason B. Isham, Timothy S. Iversen, Walter L. Johnson, John P. Jones, Jerry C. McDonald, Charles A. Polizzi, Matthew J. Porpilia II, Usman E. Rafi, Aaron A. Ray, Jamieson Russell, an William A. Sullivan.
The 24-week program for deputy sheriff’s and police officers from the Northern Virginia area covered every phase of law enforcement principles and procedures. Participating agencies include Arlington County Police Department, City of Manassas Park Police Department, Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, George Mason University Police Department, City of Alexandria Police Department, Loudoun County Office of the Sheriff, City of Alexandria Office of the Sheriff, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police, Middleburg Police Department, Purcellville Police Department, City of Falls Church Sheriff’s Office, Town of Leesburg Police Department, City of Manassas Police Department, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Police Department.