TDOC Holds Graduation For 28 New Correctional Officers

RIPLEY – Earlier today the Tennessee Department of Correction welcomed the next generation of correctional officers into our workforce.  The ceremony consisted of 28 Correctional Officers who will be serving our locations in West Tennessee at Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) in Tiptonville and West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) and Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center (WTRC) in Henning.

The special speaker for the event was WTSP Human Resource Manager Loretta Coleman who spoke to the class about being professionals in the field.  “Remember the oath you will recite today, it is a promise you take on your future actions,” said Coleman.  “Do your job to the best of your ability.  I commend you for the choice you have made today.  The department has many opportunities if you choose to stick with it.”

The class also worked on a community service project which was for the Carl Perkins Center of Lauderdale and Tipton County where they collected diapers for the center.

During their weeks of training, the class learned leadership, listening, teamwork and defense skills. Special awards were given to those who excelled at obtaining the skills:

·         The Top Gun and Firearms Award went to Officer Wendy Brisentine (NWCX)

·         The Academic Award went to Officer’s Michael Taylor (NWCX), Chrissy McCalvin (WTSP), and Ryder Goodnight (WTSP)

·         The True Grit Award went to Officer’s Toni Hinojosa (NWCX), Ryder Goodnight (WTSP)

·          The Physical fitness award went to Officer’s Christopher Currie (NWCX), and Gracie Ulch (WTRC)

·         The Superintendent Award went to Kimberly Pollock, which comes along with a $5,000 scholarship from Bethel University.

The class will begin working at their respective locations on Monday.