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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 316-04
November 24, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND CORRECTION COMMISSIONER MARTIN F. HORN PRESIDE OVER GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 241 NEW CORRECTION OFFICERS

42 Uniformed Officers also Promoted

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Correction Commissioner Martin F. Horn and Chief of Department Robert N. Davoren today presided over a graduation and swearing-in ceremony for 241 new probationary correction officers and 42 new promotees.  The Mayor was also joined by Norman Seabrook, President, Corrections Officers Benevolent Association, and Peter Meringolo, President, Correction Captains Association. The ceremony was held at the Christ the King High School in Middle Village, Queens.

“Today we welcome 241 new graduates to join the ranks of dedicated Corrections Officers who continue to keep our City’s jails some of the safest in the nation,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “New York City’s Correction Officers have reduced prison violence by over 96% since 1995, reduced the number of assaults on staff by 12% over the last year and have created a model prison system.  I would like to congratulate our newest members of New York’s Boldest and our promotees, and thank them for their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our city.”

“The men and women we graduate today and those we promote, join their collegues in one of the toughest jobs in law enforcement,” said Commissioner Horn.  “They have been well trained.  We are proud to have them and we know they will serve with dedication and integrity.”

Promotion ceremonies were also held today for 41 tenured Corrections Officers who were promoted to the rank of Captain, and Deputy Warden Peter Panagi was promoted to the rank of Deputy Warden in Command.

The Class valedictorian was Correction Officer Raja Rathour, who received the highest final overall grade of the graduating class of 98%.  Each of the 241 probationary Correction Officers completed a 16-week training course at the New York City Correction Academy located in Middle Village, Queens, which includes training in security, investigations, use of force, interpersonal communication, chemical agents, first aid and health.  The graduates will be assigned to various commands on Rikers Island.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Robert Lawson   (212) 788-2958

Tom Antenen   (Department of Correction)
(212) 266-1414




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