Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Correction Commissioner Martin F. Horn today presided over a graduation ceremony for 156 new Probationary Correction Officers. The Mayor was also joined by Chief of Department Carolyn Thomas and Norman Seabrook, President of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association. Today's class is the second class of new Correction Officers in FY2006.  The ceremony took place at Borough of Manhattan Community College.

"Today we welcome 156 new recruits to the ranks of New York's Boldest," said Mayor Bloomberg. "You've answered the call to serve New York and you join the dedicated individuals who continue to drive prison violence down and provide inmates the opportunity to become productive law-abiding members of society. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I wish you all the best as you embark upon this critically important work for our City."

"Today is an exciting day for the Department as we welcome new officers to the ranks of New York's boldest and noblest," said Commissioner Horn. "These men and women have stepped forward and volunteered to be the front line in our effort to keep New York the safest big city in the country, and we thank them for it."

Among the graduates, 29 members currently have or have had family on the job and 14 have previously served in the military, including Correction Officer Kevin Parker, who was originally scheduled to graduate in 2004 before being activated for military service in Iraq. The class valedictorian was Correction Officer Deborah Cunnane and the class salutatorian was Correction Officer Robert Issac.  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.