New program helps man born in West Africa fulfill dream of becoming deputy

CLEVELAND (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team found a new program created by the Cuyahoga County sheriff made it possible for a man to attain his dream of becoming a law enforcement officer.

A deputy sheriff cadet program provides a pathway for all sheriff department employees to become sheriff deputies. The employees selected do not have to pay for the six-month program.

“It was exactly what I needed and wanted,” said Koniba Sissoko. He had worked for the department for three and a half years as a corrections officer. He always dreamed of being a law enforcement officer.

Sissoko grew up in West Africa. He came over to the United States about 15 years ago.

“I was alone,” Sissoko said. “I came here all by myself. My mom and dad trusted me.”

He said he first went to school in Indiana, then moved to New York.  He then came to Cleveland to be near his aunt.

He was working for an airline when he saw an ad that the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office was looking for corrections officers.

“I saw the ad online for corrections officer,” Sissoko said. “I saw the uniform they wore, so I thought I was coming into the law enforcement side. I didn’t know anything about it.”

He said he took the job and kept looking for opportunities to become a deputy. He said the deputy sheriff cadet program was exactly what he needed.

Earlier this year, he graduated from the program, in front of his mother, who flew 5,000 miles to be at the ceremony.

He is now a full-time deputy, husband, father and U.S. citizen.

“I do it for my family, my mom, my kids,” Sissoko said. “I want them to say they want to grow up and be like daddy, that’s all I pretty much want.”

He says he plans to spend his entire career here at the sheriff’s department, the place where his dream came true.

“I got a lot of stuff from this department,” Sissoko said. “So I am not planning on going anywhere. I am here.”

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