TDOC Academy Graduation Ceremony

Saturday, August 04, 2018 | 04:07pm

RIPLEY – On Friday, August 3, 2018 the Tennessee Department of Correction welcomed the next generation of correctional officers into our workforce. The ceremony consisted of 21 Correctional Officers who will be serving our locations in West Tennessee at the Mark Luttrell Transition Center (MLTC) in Memphis, Tennessee; Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) in Tiptonville, Tennessee and West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) in Henning, Tennessee.

The special speaker for the event was Debra Johnson, West Region Correctional Administrator. Johnson compared the class to super heroes because they chose a career as a Correctional Officer, who works to ensure the safety of the community.

“You never know when you will have to use your special training,” said Johnson. “Now that you have gone through your training you are prepared to serve and protect your community. The Tennessee Department of Correction is proud to have great officers on our team.”

Recent graduate, Correctional Officer, Jasmin Wren, said she had previously worked as a correctional officer and was returning to the field. “This is a good career, I enjoy working with the department and with the inmates. I see it as a way to protect and serve my community. I also see this as a career where I can work hard and move up,” said Wren.

During their weeks of training the class learned leadership, listening, teamwork and defense skills. Special awards were given to those who excelled at obtaining the skills:

  •  The Top Gun and Firearms Award went to Officer Yvette Wren. Officer Wren also received the Superintendent Award which came along with a $5,000 scholarship to Bethel University.
  •  The Academic Award went to Officer Quantreal Underwood (MLTC) and Officer Taylor Pollock (NWCX).
  •  The Top Fitness Award went to Officer’s LaKendra Harris and George Winters (MLTC).
  • The True Grit Award went to Officer June Chatman (MLTC) and Officer Avery Cobb, III (WTSP).

The class also worked on a community service project which resulted in donating $470 worth of school supplies to the Lauderdale County School District.