(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Law enforcement from across Southern Colorado graduated from the El Paso County Regional Training Academy on Friday, March 28.

The academy is offered to law enforcement across the state free of charge, and law enforcement say it is a great way for agencies in other districts to build relationships.

The Fremont and Teller County Sheriff’s Offices, the Department of Corrections, and the Fountain Police were some of the agencies that benefited from the training.

“This academy is the best in the state of Colorado, if not the American southwest,” said Sheriff Alan Cooper of Fremont County. “And the instruction and the training that my deputies get at this academy make their lives safe, the lives of my citizens safer, and helps me to reduce crime, which is my main purpose.”

Sheriff Cooper added that the academy has helped maintain staffing levels at his office.