The Newton County Sheriff’s Office had three graduates from the 260th graduating class of the Georgia Public Safety Training Center-Athens Academy.

Deputy Christopher Richardson, who received the Top Gun Award for highest average in six, 30-round courses of fire, Deputy Kathy Esque, who placed second in overall academics, and Deputy James McGilvray graduated from the academy.

Richardson and McGilvray will join the Uniform Patrol Division and Esque, who previously obtained her jail officer certification, will return to the Criminal Investigation Division Crime Analysis Unit.

The academy held its graduation ceremony Friday, March 22 at the Commerce Civic Center.