With friends and family cheering on their loved ones as they received their certificates, 135 students of the DOC Training Academy in Elizabethtown graduated during a ceremony on March 29. Basic Training Class #1902 concluded its five-week course, which began on February 25.
Keynote speaker Deputy Secretary for Administration Christopher Oppman congratulated the graduates, advising them on a number of key aspects of their new job back at their facilities.
"On-the-job training is very important," Oppman said. He also encouraged those in attendance to become familiar with as many policies as they can.
"You just came through the academy, but don't forget to follow this up with continuing training," he said.
All correctional officers in the Department of Corrections must graduate from the Basic Training program, which is held at the Lancaster County facility. Graduating alongside the DOC corrections officers in Class #1902 were 10 county C.O.s who went through the training as well.
Training Academy Director Michael Dooley also provided remarks, similarly encouraging the students to continue their learning beyond the training academy. He also asked the students to turn around, face the audience, and acknowledge their teachers' contribution to the cadets' achievements. They then gave those in attendance a hearty round of applause.