Zachary second-generation deputy sheriff

Richard A. Zachary II, formerly of Ransomville, was among 34 who graduated from the Missouri Southern Law Enforcement Academy at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo., on Dec. 16. Zachary attended the full-time, 18-week course during the day and worked full time at night at the Jasper County Sheriff's Department.

Zachary grew up in Ransomville and is an exempt member of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Department. The son of Richard (a retired Niagara County sheriff's department deputy) and Gail Zachary of Ransomville, and Debbie and Matt Laurie of Pelian, S.C., he attended Wilson schools.

In 2008, Zachary and his girlfriend, Alicia Bowman of Lewiston, relocated to Joplin, where he was hired by the Joplin Police Department as a dispatcher. He then joined the Jasper County Sheriff's Department, working as a corrections officer.

With his graduation from the academy, Zachary will now be moving to road patrol duties with the Jasper County Sheriff's Department.