LEWISBURG — After 19 weeks of intense practice, studying and training, Phil Resseguie not only graduated from the Deputy Sheriff Academy but also received the “Best Overall Student” award.

Resseguie, a 25-year-old New Berlin resident, was named the top student in his class of 36 at the Penn State University academy location. He graduated on May 16.

“It felt really good,” he said of receiving the award. “I just did what I was told.”

Resseguie said training covered a lot of legal aspects, including criminal law, civil law and self defense. It was held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Multiple choice and essay tests were administered at the end.

So what’s the next step for Resseguie post-graduation?

“To stay here and work,” he said of the Union County Sheriff’s Department.

“I’m here till I retire or I’m fired,” he added, laughing.

Resseguie said the class helped better prepare him for the job by understanding his duties and responsibilities, however also it was a hardship on him and his family.

“I couldn’t do it without my wife,” he said. He also has two children, whom he was only able to come home and visit on the weekends.

“My son learned the days of the week,” he said. “He knew when Friday was.”

Union County Sheriff John Schrawder said he is extremely proud of Resseguie and his accomplishments.

“There is such dedication,” he said. “The amount of time away from home and everything they give up to go there, ... they endure and sacrifice a lot. ... It’s good for the community to get good guys in here like Phil.”

For his achievement in the class, Resseguie received a plaque and briefcase from the academy.

Schrawder said he attended the graduation ceremony, as he has done for all his deputies who attended the academy.