Gardner MA and Phillipston MA Residents Among Correctional Officers Sworn In
On Friday, May 26, 2023, George Cormier of Phillipston and Kierra Caissey of Gardner were among 12 to take the Correctional Officers Oath after having completed the Basic Recruit Training Academy at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility. 10 Massachusetts towns are represented. 1/4 of the recruits are veterans or reservists.
The Sheriff’s Office Academy consists of 12 weeks of both classroom and hands-on instruction teaching a variety of skills involving how to handle inmates at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction.
“These men and women have just completed 12 weeks of rigorous training and are now among the best and brightest in corrections today,” stated Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. “This class has demonstrated great strength and resolve as they have navigated the academy. They are the next generation of corrections officers that will continue our mission to serve, protect, and create a better, safer community for all.”
According to the Sheriff’s office: “Since taking office, Evangelidis has made significant changes to the hiring standards to professionalize the department. All correctional officer applicants must have, at minimum, an associate degree, two years of military service, or two years of relevant work experience. They must also pass a written exam, physical fitness test, background check, and psychological screening test. 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.”