New deputies sworn in during graduation ceremony

(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal welcomed a new group of POST-certified deputies and security officers on Friday, July 18.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) Regional Training Academy graduation was held at New Life Church, and saw the induction of 39 POST-certified deputies and law enforcement officers, and six El Paso County Security officers.

Of the 39 graduates, 31 will join the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, while others will begin careers with partnering agencies: four deputies will serve with the Teller County Sheriff’s Office, two officers with Colorado State Parole, one deputy with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and one officer with the Cañon City Police Department.

The academy began on February 16, 2025, and spanned 22 weeks of intensive physical training, academic instruction, and scenario-based exercises. Twenty of the graduates are veterans of the United States Armed Forces, continuing their service to the public through careers in law enforcement.

Sheriff Roybal said the ceremony on Friday was more than just a swearing-in–it’s a great way to build stronger ties between departments.

“By collaborating with other agencies, it begins to develop partnerships and more importantly relationships with the deputies and the officers,” said Roybal. “They get to know one another in the Academy, which serves them better out on the road while they’re serving the community.”

This is the seventh class to graduate under the updated POST certification program since Sheriff Roybal took office in January 2023.