Local law enforcement welcomes home two newest academy graduates
By Mindy McKerrall on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY-Local law enforcement ranks grew stronger this week as two local deputies returned to full-duty service following back-to-back graduations from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Academy.
The department officially welcomed home Corrections Deputy Keith Yarbrough and Patrol Deputy Austin Draper, marking the completion of months of intensive basic training at the state academy in Salem.
Deputy Yarbrough completed his specialized training first, graduating from the DPSST Corrections Academy on Friday, August 21, 2026. His training focused on facility security, inmate management, crisis de-escalation, and legal standards required for maintaining safety within local correctional facilities.
One week later, Deputy Draper officially joined the patrol division after graduating from the DPSST Police Academy on Friday, August 28, 2026. Draper’s curriculum encompassed emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, criminal investigation procedures, and community-oriented policing strategies designed to prepare deputies for patrol duties across the county.
“We are exceptionally proud of Deputy Yarbrough and Deputy Draper for their hard work, resilience, and commitment throughout their academy training,” the agency stated. “Bringing this level of dedication back to our agency directly benefits the safety and well-being of the entire community.”
Both deputies have rejoined the team and are transitioning into their respective field assignment programs, where they will apply their academy training alongside veteran staff. Community members are encouraged to extend a warm welcome and congratulations to both deputies as they begin their service.
