FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 345-05 September 8, 2005 MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND CORRECTION COMMISSIONER MARTIN F. HORN PRESIDE OVER GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 331 NEW CORRECTION OFFICERS Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Correction Commissioner Martin F. Horn and Chief of Department Robert N. Davoren today presided over a graduation ceremony for 331 new probationary correction officers. The Mayor was also joined by Norman Seabrook, President of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association. Today’s class is the fourth graduation class of new correction officers in FY 2005. The ceremony took place at Brooklyn College. “Today we welcome 331 new recruits to the ranks of New York’s Boldest,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “They join the dedicated individuals who have driven prison violence down an astounding 96% over the last 10 years and also helped over 7,000 inmates with job training, housing assistance so they are better prepared for life after prison. They are also a department that truly cares about the welfare of our country, as they have shown in their efforts to provide much-needed supplies and personnel to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort in the Gulf Coast region. I congratulate our recruits and wish them all the best as they embark upon this critically important work for our City.” “This is a great day for our recruits and their families,” said Commissioner Horn. “The job of a Correction Officer is a demanding, but also a rewarding, career, and we welcome these new Officers to our ranks. You are joining the best correctional organizations in the country. Be proud of that and know that you are a professional who serves with pride, dignity and integrity.” The class valedictorian was Correction Officer Keisha Lemon, who graduated with a 99.1% grade average. Each of the probationary Correction Officers completed a 15-week training curriculum at the New York City Training Academy in Middle Village, Queens, including training in security, use of force techniques, constitutional law, chemical agents, physical training, communication skills, investigation procedures, first aid and health. The graduates will be assigned to various facilities on Rikers Island starting this weekend. MEDIA CONTACT: Edward Skyler / Robert Lawson (212) 788-2958 GENERAL CONTACT: Thomas Antenen (Correction) (212) 266-1055 |
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