Worcester officers among graduates of sheriff’s training academy

Sheriff Evangelidis swears in 12 new correctional officers, including three from Worcester

BY

Charlene Arsenault

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The WCSO Basic Recruit Training Academy #64 recruits sit at attention as they prepare for their academy graduation (photo WCSO)

WORCESTER—Three Worcester residents are among the newest correctional officers sworn in by Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis following the completion of the department’s latest training academy.

Evangelidis administered the correctional officers oath to 12 graduates of the 64th Basic Recruit Training Academy during a ceremony Friday at Anna Maria College. The graduates included Eh Loh, Ruth Luna and Carlos Nieves, all of Worcester.

The sheriff’s office said the academy aims to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of Worcester County. The graduating class included recruits from eight Massachusetts communities as well as Rhode Island and Connecticut, along with four individuals with current or prior military service.

: Sheriff Evangelidis poses for a photo with the 12 graduates of the WCSO B.R.T.A. #64 (photo credit: WCSO)
: Sheriff Evangelidis poses for a photo with the 12 graduates of the WCSO B.R.T.A. #64 (photo credit: WCSO)

Recruits complete a paid, full-time 13-week program that prepares them for work at the Worcester County Jail & House of Correction. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on exercises in areas such as de-escalation, fire safety, defensive tactics and first responder procedures. The academy also includes extensive instruction in suicide prevention, mental health and substance abuse awareness, along with daily physical fitness and weekly academic tests.

“After 13 demanding weeks, I am proud to present some of the best and brightest in corrections,” Evangelidis said in the announcement. “Our training department is among the strongest in the state, and these graduates are ready to serve as full-time correctional officers and support our mission.”

Sheriff Lew Evangelidis accepts the class banner from the WCSO Training Staff (photo credit: WCSO)
Sheriff Lew Evangelidis accepts the class banner from the WCSO Training Staff (photo credit: WCSO)

Applicants undergo a written exam, physical fitness test, background check and psychological screening. The sheriff’s office said its hiring practices include banning political recommendation letters and giving preference to candidates with military service.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its next academy, scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Worcester City Council meets Tuesday, Dec. 9, at City Hall in the Esther Howland (south) at 6:30 p.m. It is also live streamed on the city’s website. 

Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.

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