On March 23, former Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year, Phillip Varnado, had to endure 13 to 23 minutes of being assailed by a person who bit him ‘’several times.”

A police officer eventually shot and killed the assailant, although the deputy was badly injured, according to Trooper Dustin Dwight of the Louisiana State Police.

Since the incident, Varnado has been recovering. He was healthy enough to attend the recent graduation of his nephew, Jared Holcomb, who has followed in his uncle’s footsteps and entered the law enforcement community.

Last Friday, May 25, Holcomb graduated from the Louisiana Probation and Parole Academy.

“My Uncle Phillip did me the honor of placing my badge on during the ceremony,” Holcomb said.

“In that moment I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment, having achieved a goal I have worked towards over the past several years. Also, I felt honored to have my uncle there in that moment with me, especially after the incident last March.” Before he placed the badge on my belt, he asked me, “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” My reply was, “Without a doubt.”

Holcomb joined the Louisiana Department of Corrections, as a newly sworn-in State Probation and Parole agent.