St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies undergo continued training

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. David Culpepper and Cpl. Tommy Duplessis traveled to Lowell, Massachusetts June 5 through 8 to obtain various training certifications offered by Safariland Training Group, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

During the 4-day course of study, Sgt. Culpepper received recertification as an instructor in chemical munitions, less lethal impact munitions, distraction devices and pepper spray.

Cpl. Duplessis received recertification as a senior instructor in defensive tactic systems, and certification as an instructor in expandable baton. He also received certification as a less lethal weapon armorer.

As a senior instructor in defensive tactics, Cpl. Duplessis is able to certify other deputies in this area of instruction, and also certify them as fellow instructors.

The training Sgt. Culpepper and Cpl. Duplessis receive, as well as that of all other deputies, is under the direction of Lt. Stephen Ingargiola, director of training, and Lt. Raymond Theriot, deputy director of training.

“Our deputies receiving these types of certifications shows our commitment to training and the importance of keeping our community safe,” Lt. Ingargiola said.

Sheriff Pohlmann said continued training for deputies is vital in today’s environment.

“It’s a question of being prepared in advance for what could happen, while hoping it doesn’t happen,’’ the Sheriff said. “It’s the preparation that’s the key.’’

Sgt. Culpepper, who has worked as a patrol officer in the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Field Operations Bureau since 2011, also is a certified firearms instructor, taser instructor, and armed intruder instructor.

Cpl. Duplessis, who has been in law enforcement for 17 years, works in the Special Investigations Division Street Crimes Unit. He also is certified as an instructor in firearms training, hobble restraint and ballistics.