WORCESTER—Of the 24 recruits recently graduating from the Sheriff’s Office’s 61st Basic Recruit Training Academy (B.R.T.A.), nine of these officers hail from Worcester.
Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis recently administered the Correctional Officers Oath to the new recruits who graduated from this challenging training academy. The ceremony was held at the department’s Training and Command Center in West Boylston. Among the graduates were Officers Ijon Biba, Imaiya Ford, Taralee Fuller, Javier Larrauri, Zabdiel Martinez, Franny Rodriguez, Kathy Strom, Herbert Molina, and Christian Vega, all from Worcester.
The graduates of B.R.T.A. #61 bring unique skills and experiences to their new roles as correctional officers and represent 11 different towns across Massachusetts, according to the announcement from the sheriff’s office.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Academy offers this paid, full-time, 13-week program, which blends classroom instruction and hands-on training, aimed at training recruits in the care, custody, and control of inmates at the Worcester County Jail & House of Correction.
During the program, recruits receive training in all aspects of corrections, including de-escalation techniques, duty to intervene, fire safety, defensive tactics, first responder training, suicide prevention, mental health, and substance abuse. Additionally, the academy emphasizes daily physical fitness routines, weekly exams on classroom material, and regular guest lectures and demonstrations from various public safety partners.
“The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Training Department is one of the best in the state,” said Evangelidis in a statement. “I can confidently say that these men and women are ready to join the ranks as full-time corrections officers and contribute to successfully executing our mission.”
Before the start of the academy, applicants must pass a written exam, physical fitness test, background check, and psychological screening test. To ensure fairness and impartiality, Evangelidis has also implemented a policy that prohibits the submission of letters of recommendation from politicians and gives preference to hiring those who have served our country.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its 62nd Basic Recruit Training Academy, which will begin in September 2024. Learn more or apply here.
Send news to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
