The Natchitoches Police Department completed their 31st Reserve Academy and held a graduation ceremony on Sept. 5 at the Natchitoches Arts Center.

Natchitoches Police Department Graduates were Officer LaShea Charleville, Officer Austin Cunningham, Officer Allen Holmes, Officer Joshua Johnson and Officer Clayton Lewis. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office graduates were Deputy Jeffrey Goff, Deputy Joe Hines, Deputy Joshua Lloyd, Deputy Angela Mitchell, Deputy James Rambin, Deputy John, Rivoire, Deputy Russell Seaman, and Deputy Jason Slaughter. Coushatta Police Department’s graduate was Officer Mario Pennington.

The combined efforts of The Natchitoches Police Department and The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department made this Reserve Academy a success.
Reserve Academy instructors were Reserve Commander Lieutenant Jeff Townson, Lieutenant Nikeo Collins, Lieutenant Billy Meziere, Lieutenant Stan Williams, Lieutenant Keith McDonald, Sergeant Steve Rachal, Corporal Kevin Price, Corporal Trent Perritt, Assistant Chief Jesse Taitano, Sergeant Jonathan Roberts, and Deputy Garrett Murchison.

Reserve Police Officers are critical to community policing, and are an important asset to the department they serve. During the eight week Reserve Academy cadets completed training in search and seizure, building clearing, traffic stops, firearms and defensive tactics. Cadets were also certified in chemical weapons and taser usage.
These Reserve Officers now have a great opportunity to serve their community in a positive manner.