Cumberland sheriff challenges new class of deputies at graduation

That's true in Cumberland County as well. Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis Wright is finding ways to fill the gaps with 19 cadets who turned into deputies on Tuesday as a Basic Law Enforcement Training class graduated.

At the ceremony, Sheriff Wright challenged the class to ensure they protect and serve the citizens of the community.

With the swearing of an oath, the cadets turned into Cumberland County Sheriff's Deputies. One of the 19 is Tristen Luck, a first-generation law enforcement officer.

"I've always wanted to do this," said deputy Tristen Luck. "I went to high school. I always had this in mind ... really just try to make the world a better place. Law enforcement is a tough career right now ... if you can get one good officer in at a time, that's the way to do it."

Nobody knows that better than Wright. His office is down 60 officers, even more if you count jailers at the detention center.

Wright started his Basic Law Enforcement Training class eight months ago so these graduates could help fill his shortage.

"That's what people got to realize," Wright said. "It takes just about a year to get an officer out there in the street. So we got 19 here today. I got another class starting up in January."

Deputies got their badges and weapons Tuesday morning, but they still have four more months of training on patrol.