TDOC Holds Graduation for 25 New Correctional Officers

RIPLEY – Earlier today the Tennessee Department of Correction welcomed the next generation of correctional officers into our workforce. The ceremony consisted of 25 Correctional Officers who will be serving our locations in West Tennessee at Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) in Tiptonville, Tennessee and West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) and Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center (WTRC) in Henning, Tennessee and Mark Luttrell Transition Center (MLTC) in Memphis, Tennessee.

The special speaker for the event was MLTC Fiscal Director Cecil Currie who spoke to the class about being professionals in the field.  “This is your day to shine, but know that every day will bring new challenges.  Treat everyone how you would like to be treated even the inmates or residents because they are people, just like you.”  Currie went on to say “You worked extremely hard to get this far, and at times the inmates will be difficult, you must always remain professional.  If you work hard enough, you will see that TDOC has plenty of opportunities to move up, but you’ve got to stay focused.”

Edwina Shaw, who graduated with the class will be working at MLTC, said she has plans to grow her career in TDOC.  “I chose to become a Correctional Officer because I wanted to enhance public safety and work on advancing my career.  I also want to give proper guidance to inmates to help reduce recidivism.”

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 Shannon Boswell (WTSP)

·         The Academic Award went to Officer’s Jada Blaylock (NWCX), Eric Brann (NWCX), and Kirsten Arnold (WTRC)

·         The True Grit Award went to Officer’s Jennifer Quinisha Wilson (MLTC), Jada Blaylock (NWCX), Jonathan Zvolanek (WTSP)

·          The physical fitness award went to Officer’s Brittney Peterson (WTRC), and Eric Brann (NWCX)

·         The Superintendent Award went to Eric Brann, which comes along with a $5,000 scholarship from Bethel University.

The class also worked on a community service project which was a stuffed animal drive for the Carl Perkins Center of Tipton County.