Twenty-two new volunteers will begin work this week with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Division. The volunteers will graduate from the Sheriff’s Office Training Academy tomorrow night. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. at the academy located at 993 Dovecrest.

“With this graduating class, we will have 114 volunteers in this vital unit of the Sheriff’s Office. Yet, we need more people to be part of the squad. This is an excellent opportunity for citizens to gain some important skills and serve the community,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Volunteers took a five month course that included search and rescue techniques and “First Responder” emergency medical training. Class members are also acquainted with various Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures.

Emergency Services volunteers are called to assist Deputies in a variety of ways including searches for lost persons, providing first aid at large-scale community events, and assisting officers in “Zero Tolerance” crime suppression efforts conducted routinely throughout neighborhoods in Shelby County.

Volunteers must be 18 years old and serve at least 24 hours-a-month to maintain their status in the Emergency Services Division. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, pass a criminal background check and drug test.

Those interested in becoming an Emergency Services Volunteer should contact the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division at (901) 867-1440.