Two Pinal County Deputies previously serving on active duty status with the Naval Reserves are now back to work after performing exemplary service.
 
Deputy Juan Sanchez and Deputy Sergio Ochoa joined the Naval Reserves in 2010 and began their basic training at the Great Lakes Recruit Training Center on January 19th, 2011. While training, they excelled and were quickly made section leaders; graduating in the upper 10% of their class and receiving a meritorious advancement in rank.
 
They were then were shipped off to their “A School” in Gulf Port, Mississippi, where the studied to become builders (BU) in the Navy's construction battalion. Their achievements did not end at school. Deputy Ochoa became Platoon Commander and Deputy Sanchez was given the honor of becoming Class Guide on Bearer.
 
Both graduated at the top of their class. According to their commanding officer, in each class one student is presented with the Certificate of Military Excellence for rising to the top.
 
In class #11310, both Ochoa and Sanchez were given the honor.
 
List of awards they received during school are as follows:
 
* Community Service Award for off duty volunteer service to the community.
* Commanding Officers Award of Military Excellence, class #11310.
* Honor Graduates for class #11310
 
“Today’s military is comprised largely of reserve soldiers,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “Having completed 20 years of service myself, I fully understand and support the need for citizen soldiers. Deputies Ochoa and Sanchez are two great examples of what this office stands for. On behalf of the entire department, I congratulate both of them on their fine military service and consider the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office fortunate to have such outstanding members.”
 
Sanchez and Ochoa returned to work with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office on June 26th, 2011.