TDOC Holds Graduation for 52 New Correctional Officers

TULLAHOMA - On Friday, August 30, 2019, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) welcomed new correctional officers into our workforce during a graduation ceremony at the Tennessee Correction Academy in Tullahoma, Tennessee.  The ceremony celebrated the hard work of 52 correctional officers who will be serving the citizens of Tennessee by working in prisons across the state.

The Keynote speaker for the event was Bert Boyd, Warden of Northeast Correctional Complex.  Boyd spoke to the class about the importance of education saying, “Take advantage of the educational opportunities TDOC has to offer because it will help you grow in your career with our agency.”

During their weeks of training, the class learned skills that will assist them in being effective correctional officers. The following awards were given to students who excelled:

·         True Grit Award: Officer Beth Hall (MCCX) and Officer Donald Stout (NECX)

·         Academic Award: Officer Katie Yearian (NECX) and Officer Paul Faye (RMSI) Officer Ashley Stewart (DSNF) Officer Danielle Taylor (DSNF) Officer Tristen Stephens (BCCX)

·         Physical Fitness Award: Officer Bonnie Hensley (RMSI) and Officer LaRico Nelson (DSNF)

·         Superintendent Award and $5,000 Scholarship from Bethel University: Officer Louis Iasparri ( DSNF)

Today’s graduates will return to their respective facilities where they will be assigned a facility-based mentor.  During the mentorship period, the officers will apply their newfound skills to the prison environment with the goal of enhancing public safety.