Seven Worcester residents are among 14 new correctional officers sworn into service following graduation from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Basic Recruit Training Academy.
Sheriff Lew Evangelidis recently administered the correctional officer oath during a graduation ceremony at the department’s Training and Command Center in West Boylston, marking the completion of a 13-week academy that prepares recruits for careers at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction.
The Worcester graduates are Matthew Diaz, Eh Doh, Jonathan Llanos, Abraham Mbokar, Manueldy Rodriguez, Jacob Santos and Godlive Simo Foko.
According to the sheriff’s office, recruits completed classroom instruction and hands-on training in areas including de-escalation techniques, defensive tactics, first responder protocols, mental health awareness, suicide prevention and physical fitness.
The graduating class included recruits from seven Massachusetts communities and three active-duty service members or veterans of the U.S. Army.
“After 13 rigorous weeks of training, I am proud to present some of the best and brightest future leaders in corrections,” Evangelidis said in a release. “I am confident these graduates are prepared to join our ranks and help advance our mission of public safety.”
The Sheriff’s Office said prospective correctional officers must complete a written examination, physical fitness assessment, background investigation and psychological screening before entering the academy. The department also maintains a policy prohibiting letters of recommendation from elected officials and gives hiring preference to applicants who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for its 66th Basic Recruit Training Academy, which is scheduled to begin in September.
