(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal administered the oath of office to 31 new members of law enforcement at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) Regional Training Academy 24-2 Graduation Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 15. Among the graduates are 24 Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified El Paso County Deputies, four Teller County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, one Fremont County Sheriff's Office Deputy, one Costilla County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, and one Colorado State Parole Officer. Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean ScottCourtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean ScottCourtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean ScottCourtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean ScottCourtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean ScottCourtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Sean Scott For many of the new deputies, this is one of the final steps on a long journey toward their goals of serving the community. "It means everything to me. Like I said, it's something I've been working for ever since I was a kid. It's everything," said Connor Stachecki, El Paso County Sheriff's Deputy. According to EPSO, the 31 new deputies are the fifth class to graduate from the EPSO Regional Training Academy with a 24-week POST certification requirement since Sheriff Roybal took office in January 2023. “Today, we celebrate 31 individuals for their commitment to our communities and public safety across Colorado,” said Sheriff Roybal.  “The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy has established a reputation for providing excellent training for law enforcement agencies across Colorado.  I thank Sheriffs Mikesell, Cooper, and Sanchez, as well as Colorado State Division of Adult Parole Director Wolfsgruber, for entrusting my Office to prepare and train their next generation of law enforcement. As the 29th Sheriff of El Paso County, I am committed to continuing this interagency tradition and fostering strong bonds between those who serve across Colorado.”