May 2026 Corrections Academy Graduates

Sheriff Chuck Heit is proud to announce that four deputies have graduated on May 13, 2026.

Deputy Owen Slavens, Deputy Cailyn Murphy, Deputy Ava Sandman and Deputy David Noack graduated from a local corrections officer training academy held at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

This is a 160-hour academy offering a comprehensive, interactive instruction program in various disciplines for local correction officers. Training topics include custody and security, defensive tactics, CPR, AED, and first aid training, suicide awareness, fire safety, and interpersonal communication.

The academy is certified by the Michigan Sheriff's Coordinating and Training Council and is an important element of providing the necessary skills for maintaining a safe, secure environment for corrections officers, inmates, and county residents.

A special note: Deputy Owen Slavens was chosen as CLASS SPEAKER and received the award for BEST OVERALL PERFOMANCE while Deputy Ava Sandman received the award for BEST PERFORMANCE IN DEFENSIVE TACTICS.

Sheriff Heit would like to thank the four deputies for their hard work at the academy and for their dedication to our community's safety.

Sheriff Heit would also like to acknowledge and thank Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson and his staff, along with the Michigan Sheriff's Association and the Michigan Sheriff's Coordinating and Training Council for all of their continued hard work in putting on the corrections academy.

Jail Operations Lieutenant Justin O'Brien, Deputy Owen Slavens, Deputy Cailyn Murphy, Deputy Ava
Sandman, Deputy David Noack