(Washington, DC)—District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty joined the Department of Corrections at a graduation ceremony on February 5 to induct 18 new members into its correctional officer ranks.

The equally represented male and female graduates successfully completed thirty days of intensive training that incorporated classroom instruction, physical agility, firearms proficiency and on-the-job-training at the DC Jail.  Family and friends, as well as Corrections staff in attendance congratulated the group as they begin their correctional career working at the Department of Corrections Central Detention Facility (DC Jail) and other correctional worksites.

Mayor Fenty is the first public official to attend the graduation programs since the Department of Corrections began an aggressive campaign more than 18 months ago to hire Correctional Officers.  In addressing the group, Mayor Fenty referred to the Correctional Officer job as the highest calling of public service and emphasized his commitment to making the Department of Corrections the nation’s best.

“The Department of Corrections is honored that Mayor Fenty has joined us in welcoming our new correctional family members,” said Corrections Director Brown in addressing the audience. Director Devon Brown emphasized the demands of the profession and the unwavering commitment of those who choose to become public servants.  “Corrections is our profession, but public safety is our passion,” stated Director Brown.  “Our staff walks the most challenging beats in the community.  They do so with pride, professionalism and proficiency,” he added.

To qualify as Correctional Officer candidates, the graduating probationary officers had to meet mandatory hiring standards including employment and personal history background screens; pre-employment urinalysis for illegal drug use; fingerprint and criminal history checks; medical examination; an integrity interview and an ergometrics correctional officer video test. Unacceptable information on any of the screening factors eliminated a candidate from consideration.

Correctional officer graduates:  Michael Boyd, Tavana Bunton, Chester Cromorty, Henry Davis, Tiffany Davis, Sheryl Gray, Kimberly Grooms, Richard Helms, Tameca Herbert, Chastity Jones, David Jones, Jermain Littles, Akeem Nelson, Harry Okpara, Lakia Ransom, Klama Reid, Tamira Roberson, Mark Smith.
                                                                                   

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