Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Correction Commissioner Martin F. Horn today presided over a graduation ceremony for 131 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 first class of new Correction Officers in FY2007.  The ceremony took place at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

"Today we welcome 131 new recruits to the ranks of New York's Boldest," said Mayor Bloomberg. "A sense of duty is what makes this the best Correction Department in the nation, and that commitment is already apparent in today's class. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I wish you all the best as you embark upon this 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," said Commissioner Horn. "We are proud of these men and women who have chosen to accept a leadership role in our effort to keep New York the safest big city in the country."

Among the graduates, 33 members currently have or have had a family member on the job and 16 have previously served in the military.  The class valedictorian was Correction Officer Louis Pinto.  There were two class salutatorians this year-Correction Officers Jaeniel Killikelly and Ruby Koshy.  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.