POUGHKEEPSIE – Eleven newly-trained corrections officers graduated from the Dutchess County Corrections Officer Academy on Friday afternoon. The officers endured a seven-week academy that consisted of mental and physical education, designed to push them to their limits.
The academy was run by Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office staff that work in the Dutchess County Jail. Veteran Dutchess County Corrections Officer Sergeant Lillian Gonzalez and Corrections Officer Heather Cooper, also a senior officer, conducted the academy for recruits from Dutchess, Putnam, and Sullivan Counties.
Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville called the Dutchess academy “The best academy for corrections,” and noted that he sends recruits to Dutchess because of the level of training. McConville had one recruit in the academy and told all eleven graduates they are now considered “The best” while reminding them to be vigilant and safe.
Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati addressed the class by telling them “This is a difficult time to be in law enforcement,” while stressing the importance of “treating others as you want to be treated” as they embark on their new careers. Dutchess County had eight graduates on Friday.
Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty was there to congratulate two new officers that will work in the Sullivan County Jail. Echoing the sentiments of McConville and Imperati, Chaboty said “You’re coming in at a very difficult time in law enforcement and you need to look out for each other.”
One of the graduates worked with his friends to produce a video montage of the seven-week academy and it was played at the end of the ceremony for their friends and family to view. The video can be found below.
