On Saturday, March 29, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office welcomed its newest deputies during a meaningful and emotional graduation ceremony for Detention Academy Class 01-P-2025. Friends, family, and department personnel gathered to honor the accomplishments of Joseph Burrell, Scott Matthews, and Joshua Park as they officially joined the ranks of the agency.
The ceremony was officiated by Sheriff Joe McGill, who also led the badge pinning and administered the oath of office. Sgt. Gregory Curtin performed the national anthem, and the opening and closing prayers were led by Chaplain Richard Acosta, who asked for protection, strength, and compassion for the new deputies and their families.
Class speaker Scott Matthews, chosen by his fellow graduates to represent them, delivered a heartfelt address that emphasized the bond the trio formed during the academy.
“I am incredibly lucky to have gone through the academy with two of the greatest men I’ve ever met—Deputy Park and Deputy Burrell,” Matthews said. “This wasn’t my journey alone. It was our journey together as a team.”
He described how each recruit brought unique strengths and how they supported one another through the most difficult parts of the academy experience.
Matthews praised Park, the youngest member of the class, for his confidence and tenacity during hands-on training, and commended Burrell for the wisdom and experience he shared throughout their journey. He also extended gratitude to their instructors—Sgts. Cleveland, Harris, Augustine, Kirby, Fowles, and especially Sgt. Marshall—for their patience, time, and dedication. Matthews recalled the intense training sessions, including OC spray, taser exposure, and active assailant scenarios.
“Everybody’s tough until you hear the three words: ‘Taser, taser, taser,’” Matthews said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The badge pinning portion of the ceremony was a powerful and emotional moment, symbolizing the culmination of each recruit’s training and their transition into full-fledged deputies. Each graduate selected someone meaningful to perform the honor.
Deputy Joseph Burrell’s badge was pinned by his father, Anthony Burrell Sr.
Deputy Scott Matthews was pinned by both his parents, William Matthews Sr. and Brenda Matthews.
Deputy Joshua Park’s badge was pinned by his father, Michael Park.
Following the badge pinning, Sheriff McGill led the trio in reciting the official oath of office. The class also took the “On My Honor” pledge, committing themselves to serve with integrity and courage.
Before the ceremony concluded, Sheriff McGill took a moment to recognize Tammy Engel, his assistant, who played a key role in organizing the graduation and supporting the day-to-day operations of the academy. He asked her to stand and be acknowledged for her behind-the-scenes work.
Sheriff McGill also addressed the importance of the graduates’ upcoming roles within the department.
“All three of these deputies are headed to our detention facility,” said McGill. “If they choose to go out on patrol at some point, that option is available to them. But right now, we are fully staffed in detention for the first time—and that’s something worth celebrating. We’re still actively hiring and continuing to build up our manpower.”
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer by Chaplain Acosta, who prayed not only for the safety and strength of the new deputies but also for their families, who now join them in the journey of public service.
Guests were invited to enjoy refreshments and take photos with the graduates following the ceremony, marking the beginning of their official service with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies Joseph Burrell, Scott Matthews, and Joshua Park now begin their careers dedicated to serving and protecting the community they call home.
