There may be a new sheriff in town – in fact, 38 of them.

The Chilton County Sheriff’s Department graduated its inaugural Junior Deputy Academy Friday afternoon at the county courthouse.

Nearly 100 friends and family members gathered in Court Room One to witness children ages 11-15 receive honors for the course that saw them learn several aspects of law enforcement and investigation.

The new deputies received a five-day crash course in crime scene investigation, firearms, underwater diving, CPR training, among other skills related to the field.

The course was designed by the sheriff’s office to teach honor, self-respect and professionalism as students pursue careers related (or unrelated) to law enforcement. The children also learned about interviewing, resume building and other important skills to help them find jobs in the future.

Sheriff Kevin Davis said this was something the department wanted to do ever since he took office and is proud to see the class finally take shape.

“This is an investment in these kids’ futures that we hope they keep,” Davis said. “We are extremely proud of this class.”

Davis addressed the children’s family and friends, telling them he felt each child truly wanted to be there and did not fuss all week.

Class president Allysa Hucks then spoke, thanking the sheriff and other officers for their supervision and knowledge throughout the week.

Hux, 14, is a Jemison Middle School student and is the daughter of Beth Hucks, a school resource officer.

“It was a lot of fun,” she said afterward. “We learned to look out for others and keep up with people. If we lost a buddy, we’d all pay for it.”

After Hucks’ speech, Captain Rocky Mims shared a computer slide show presentation with several photos highlighting events throughout the week.

Davis then presented three awards to high achievers in the class.

Zachary Deason was recognized for proficiency in safety. Hunter Hood won the academic award for scoring a class-high 110 on a written examination each student took. Austin Bone, son of Sgt. Darrell Bone, won most likely to succeed.

As the son of an officer, Bone said he definitely had an advantage in learning so much during the week. But he knew his dad would be as hard on him as he would any other student, if not harder.

“The first day I probably said a couple of things I shouldn’t have,” Bone said. “It was very fun. I really enjoyed the crime scene investigation day at Higgins Ferry Park. It was very fun.”

The deputy class included Blake Lockhart, Cainon Brian Griffin, Breanna Davis, Joseph Contreras, Virginia Creel, Pashawn Quince, Elizabeth Renae Smith, Trevor Porter, Daly Anderson, Blake Gentry, Hunter Hood, Heath Oaks, Zachary “Chase” Deason, Vongsa V. Khampharasavath, Victoria Moates, Justin Smitherman, Jessie Dale Levon Arthur, Cassani Steele, Dwayne Coy, Austin Ray Boone, Devan Boone, Samual Bradley, Logan Mims, Josh Johnson, Karlee Elkins, Allison Jones, Chad Ray, Billy William Silva, Tyler Lee Thornton, Dalton Mims, Colton Fells, Patrick Threadgill, Shawn A. Henderson, Sable McElroy, Allysa Hucks, Noah Walls, Michael Hamblin and Lilian Davis.

Stokes Cheverolet and Hickory Chip provided meals during the week.