Correctional Officer training academy graduates 38
Thirty-eight correctional officer cadets graduated from the 233rd Correctional Employee Initial Training Academy and took their oaths of office as Delaware’s newest law enforcement officers at a ceremony attended by Department of Correction leadership and staff, family and friends.
Cadets completed an intensive 12-week program of classroom and hands-on instruction in multiple subject areas including inmate supervision, defensive tactics, emergency preparedness, weapons and chemical munitions, report writing, behavioral health training, CPR/Basic First Aid, and interpersonal communication skills.
“When you take the oath of office and receive your badge, I know you will take in the moment and respect that, as an officer with Delaware’s largest law enforcement agency, it comes with the highest authority and responsibility to always act with integrity and courage,” Department of Correction Commissioner Claire DeMatteis said to the graduates. “You will face challenges. We all will. You have the training, skills, and life experiences to carry out our department’s dual mission of public safety and second chances.”
The graduation featured a traditional badge pinning and a ceremonial procession to the sound of the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums. Watch a video stream of the ceremony online at www.facebook.com/decorrection.
Keynote speaker, former Department of Correction Commissioner Stan Taylor, urged the graduates to build a reputation for being firm but fair. He drew on his 31 years of correctional experience to encourage them to act collaboratively with educators, counselors, healthcare providers and other correctional staff who are committed to providing inmates with treatment and training so that they can return to the community in a better position to succeed and remain out of the criminal justice system.
Cadet Tamara Hudgon served as class speaker and Cadet Andre Mickens was selected by academy instructional staff as outstanding cadet.
The instructional team for CEIT Class 233 consisted of Primary Instructor Dean Edge, Instructor Craig Brumbaugh, and Drill Instructors Vincent Lewis and Tyler Wilton.
The graduates began their new careers with the Delaware Department of Correction immediately after graduation.
