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 Blog Post

Busy Training Academy Hosts Big Events

May 22, 2019 12:00 AM
By: DOC Staff

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With parole and corrections students sharing the DOC Training Academy—and even attending a few combined classes recently—the facility got even busier as it hosted several events in its Ary Auditorium.

More than 230 corrections staff attended the Transforming Leadership seminar on May 3. Attendees participated in several sessions aimed at enhancing the culture of corrections and making substantial upgrades to DOC's mindset. This was the second Transforming Leadership gathering. The first was in November 2018. Speakers included: Dr. Eric Williams, chair and associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Sonoma State University; Rob Green, director of Montgomery County's Department of Correction and Rehabilitation; Chad Dion Lassiter, the executive director of the Pa. Human Relations Commission; Steve Seitchik, the DOC's MAT statewide coordinator; and Training Academy Director Michael Dooley. A cookout lunch was served at the event.

Ary Auditorium was packed once again with more than 200 people on May 8 as the department recognized individuals and teams who exhibited "outstanding performance, valor and innovation." Award recipients and their friends and family looked on as DOC Executive Deputy Secretary Shirley Moore Smeal was the featured speaker. All enjoyed a meal provided by the academy.

To end the week on a high note, 135 students in the Basic Training Class #1903 filled the auditorium along with their loved ones for graduation ceremonies on May 10. The corrections staff celebrated the end of their five-week learning program at the Training Academy. While lunch was not served during the event, the Academy's food services department was kept busy providing a meal for those who took part in the Harrisburg Community Corrections Center open house later that day.

The time and effort involved in preparing for big events is not light work. Dozens of staff members are enlisted to ensure the events go as planned. Logistics like tables, chairs and audio/visual issues are thoroughly planned, as well as coordinating with several others on special requirements, hosting duties and more.

Events with meals being served especially take much planning and execution. The kitchen staff at the Training Academy not only provides a catered luncheon for the event attendees but also must continue to provide meals for the Academy's daily schedule. Many long hours and hard work all go into preparing a smooth experience for the great many people who visit Elizabethtown and see what the Training Academy has to offer.


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