def #285 12/19/07

CORRECTIONS OFFICERS GRADUATE; FIRST CLASS TRAINED AT OCEAN COUNTY POLICE ACADEMY

TOMS RIVER - The first class of corrections officers trained at the Ocean County Police Academy graduated from the 14-week program today.

"On Monday, Sept. 17, you started a 14-week journey," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly, who serves as director of Law and Public Safety. "Those of you who are here today can stand up and be proud of your accomplishments. Your hard work and dedication is what got you here today."

Kelly was the keynote speaker at the ceremony held at Toms River High School South. A total of 18 corrections officers graduated from the program developed by professional staff members from Corrections including Jail Warden Theodore Hutler and the Academy.

"This group got together to chart a new course and developed a curriculum that met performance objectives and received the approval of the Police Training Commission," Kelly said. "To carry out this training, we tapped into a core group of instructors within the county and the state corrections' system.

"We received assistance from our police departments, the Sheriff's Department and the Prosecutor's Office," Kelly said. "And under one roof, all these agencies came together to provide you with the tools you will need to be the best Corrections officers you can be."

During the 14-week program the recruits received physical training and firearms training. They also were taught defensive tactics and the basics like inmate intake and release procedures. They received instruction in fire safety at the Ocean County Training Center, Waretown, and instruction in gang awareness.

Kelly noted that during the next few years the Ocean County Jail, Hooper Avenue, here, will undergo major renovations and changes.

"We will expand the facility, create greater security and meet our future needs," he said. "We will not have sentences shortened because we don't have the room to house inmates. We will rely upon our corrections officers to make certain the inmates are properly housed and the public is safe," he told the new officers. "Security is paramount in this endeavor and for that we will count on you."

Receiving awards during the ceremony were Brian P. Lamb, High Physical Fitness Award and High Overall, Ocean County Corrections Department; Shawn D. Callahan and Kenneth J. Carlson, High Marksmanship, both Ocean County Corrections Department; Randy J. Lovenduski, High Academic, Gloucester County Corrections Department.

Michael P. Maloney, Ocean County Corrections Department was the recipient of the New Jersey County Jail Wardens Association "Professionalism Award," and Douglas C. Marshall, Ocean County Corrections Department, received the Police Training Commission Merit Award.

The graduates are: Joseph T. Barone Jr., Kristopher T. Brush, Shawn D. Callahan, Kenneth J. Carlson, Kevin J. Covert Jr., Nicole N. Horan, Frank W. LaGamma, Brian P. Lamb, Michael P. Maloney, Douglas C. Marshall, Melissa A. Ramos, Joseph F. Rubino, Mark R. Spina, all Ocean County Corrections Department; Malessia D. Lacy, Randy J. Lovenduski, and Ronald W. Perry Jr., all Gloucester County Corrections Department; and John P. Riley and Joseph Wareham, both Cape May County Corrections Department.


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