WEST BOYLSTON – On Friday, May 31, Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis administered the correctional officers oath to the 24 graduating recruits of the sheriff’s office’s 61st Basic Recruit Training Academy at the department’s training and command center.
Among the graduates was Officer Nicholas DiStefano of Shrewsbury.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Academy is a paid, full-time 13-week program that teaches recruits how to handle and maintain the care, custody and control of inmates at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction. The academy incorporates both classroom time and hands-on instruction.
Throughout the academy, recruits are exposed to all areas of corrections, including de-escalation, duty to intervene, fire safety, defensive tactics, first responder training, suicide prevention, mental health and substance abuse.
The academy also includes daily physical fitness training, weekly exams on classroom content, and frequent guest lectures/demonstrations from many partners in public safety.
“After 13 rigorous weeks of training, I’m thrilled to present the best and brightest in corrections today,” said Evangelidis. “The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office training department is one of the best in the state. I can confidently say that these men and women are ready to join the ranks as full-time corrections officers and contribute to successfully executing our mission. Congratulations to these graduates as they begin their new careers.”
Before the start of the academy, applicants must pass a written exam, physical fitness test, background check and psychological screening test. To ensure fairness and impartiality, 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 the United States.
The sheriff’s office is accepting applications for its 62nd Basic Recruit Training Academy, which will begin in September. To learn more about what it takes to be a correctional officer, please visit www.WorcesterCountySheriff.com/Careers/Correctional-Officer-Academy/.
