FORT PIERCE — Indian River State College’s Criminal Justice Institute recently celebrated the completion of intensive training programs that prepared graduates for critical roles in Florida’s criminal justice system.

Corrections Academy Class #178 celebrated its achievement on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Indian River State College. The ceremony recognized graduates who completed one of the most comprehensive corrections training programs in the state.

Corrections Academy Class #178 graduates celebrate their completion of the rigorous 420-hour Basic Recruit Training Program, marking the beginning of their careers as correctional officers in state and federal facilities.

Photo courtesy IRSC

Each graduate successfully completed the Basic Recruit Training Program (Corrections), which included over 420 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on practical exercises. This comprehensive training provided them with the skills needed to effectively work with inmates while exercising professionalism. Their lessons on how to effectively communicate, interact with, and respond to a range of populations will help ensure their safety and the safety of others.

The curriculum included inmate supervision and custody procedures, use of force protocols and legal standards, defensive tactics and officer safety, communication and de-escalation skills, emergency response procedures, report writing and documentation, ethics and professional standards, legal standards governing corrections, facility security protocols, and contraband detection and searches.

“I am incredibly proud of the individuals who graduated, as they demonstrated the discipline, responsibility, and professionalism required to serve in one of the most demanding roles in the criminal justice system,” noted Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore. “This represented a critical step in building a strong and capable corrections workforce that will serve our communities with dedication and integrity.”

Corrections Academy Class #178 graduates are Elizabeth Alvarez of Okeechobee, Quinn Bostic, Frankz Davila, Travis Garrison of Okeechobee, Alicia Hilario of Okeechobee, Indiony Jean-Baptiste, Vanessa Johnson of Okeechobee, Hannah Newsome, Marc Rediker of Okeechobee, Alani Rodriguez, Sherlyn Salgado of Okeechobee, Monique Samuels, Vincent Saputo, Isabella Saucedo of Okeechobee, Matthew Sellers, Jacob Smith, Joseline Uribe-Godinez, and Dominic Witherow.

Corrections Academy graduates are now qualified for positions including correctional officers in state and federal facilities, juvenile detention officers, probation and parole officers (with additional certification), court security officers, transportation officers, private corrections facility staff, and rehabilitation program coordinators.