La Porte County Sheriff John T. Boyd announced the recent hiring of five new Merit (Patrol) Deputies. The deputies will fill vacancies within the Merit Division that were recently open. These five deputies are all currently enrolled in the fifteen week Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (NILEA) basic recruit program. 25 year old Deputy Tyler Oberholtzer, was born in La Porte and is a lifelong resident of La Porte County. He is a La Porte High School graduate. Deputy Oberholtzer attended Vincennes University later earning an associate degree in criminal justice. He was previously employed by Four Winds Casino. Deputy Oberholtzer resides in La Porte. Twenty-five year old Deputy Alex Clemons, was born in Valparaiso and is a lifelong resident of La Porte County. He is a graduate of South Central High School. Deputy Clemons attended Indiana University-South Bend later earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In November of 2016, he began his employment with the Sheriff’s Office in the Jail Division. Deputy Clemons resides in rural Cass Township. Thirty year old Deputy Jet Balenia, was born in Talisay City, Philippines. He graduated high school and attended Colegio San Agustin in the Philippines. Deputy Balenia later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Colegio San Agustin. In 2014, Deputy Balenia obtained his U.S. Citizenship. He currently resides in Lake County, Indiana. Twenty-five year old Deputy Evan Doperalski, was born in Michigan City and is a lifelong resident of La Porte County. He is a graduate of Michigan City High School. Deputy Doperalski attended Purdue University Northwest where he studied Behavioral Science. In July of 2016, he began his employment with the Sheriff’s Office in the Jail Division. Deputy Doperalski resides in Michigan City.