Welcoming Two New Graduates Back to DeKalb County

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that two of our newest deputies have officially graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Jacob Nugent and Deputy Seth Draper on this significant accomplishment. Their graduation marks an important milestone in their journey to serve and protect the residents of DeKalb County.

What It Takes to Graduate from the Academy

The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), located in Plainfield, is the state’s central training facility for law enforcement officers. The academy’s program is designed to prepare recruits for the wide range of responsibilities they will face in the field.

Over the course of approximately 16 weeks, recruits undergo intensive, structured training that includes:

• Criminal and constitutional law

• Emergency vehicle operations

• Firearms training and qualification

• Defensive tactics and use of force

• Physical fitness and conditioning

• Scenario-based training and decision-making

• Community policing and professional ethics

The program is both physically and mentally demanding, requiring discipline, accountability, and a strong commitment to public service. Graduation from ILEA ensures that each officer meets the standards established by the State of Indiana for sworn law enforcement personnel.

What Comes Next

With the academy behind them, Deputies Nugent and Draper now return to DeKalb County to begin the next phase of their training: field training.

During this phase, they will work alongside experienced deputies, applying what they’ve learned in real-world situations. This hands-on experience is critical in developing the judgment, confidence, and professionalism required to serve independently.

Residents can expect to see Deputies Nugent and Draper out in the community as they continue to learn, grow, and gain valuable experience under the guidance of our veteran staff.

Investing in the Future of Public Safety

Bringing on well-trained, capable deputies is essential to maintaining the high level of service our community expects. The time and effort invested in academy training and field training ensures that our deputies are prepared not just to respond to calls—but to handle them professionally, safely, and with sound judgment.

We are proud of Deputies Nugent and Draper for reaching this milestone and look forward to their continued development as members of our team.

Welcome back to DeKalb County and congratulations to both!