MSO celebrates the graduation of 34 new corrections officers

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) was proud to swear in 34 new correction officers in a ceremony held Friday, November 17 at Melrose’s Memorial Hall. 

During the ceremony, the new officers and their loved ones heard remarks by Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur, Melrose Police Chief Kevin Faller and 49th Basic Training Academy (BTA) Class President Mathieu Cunha. 

“Friday’s graduation marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another exciting one for these new officers,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “We are proud to welcome them to our family and look forward to the tremendous contributions we know they will make to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office in the years to come.”

The 49th Basic Training Academy Class is one of the most diverse in MSO history, with eight new officers having been born outside the United States.  Members of the class also speak 12 languages in addition to English, including American Sign Language, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole and Swahili.

In addition to the incredible diversity of the class, the group also included three second generation members of the MSO and one third generation officer.  Three graduates have parents who are currently serving in roles at the MSO. 

Friday’s ceremony followed a rigorous 12-week Basic Training Academy during which recruits underwent extensive preparation for the role of a corrections officer.  That training included both classroom and hands on work, as well as the mastering of policies, procedures, and skills needed to maintain safety and security at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction. 

The training focused on topics such as implicit bias, Mental Health First Aid, Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT), de-escalation and communication, first responder training, suicide prevention, and defensive tactics. In addition, all 34 recruits also spent time working with veteran members of the MSO team during their on-the-job training at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction. 

As these new officers transition into their new roles, they will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals while upholding the values of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.

Friday’s ceremony was the third graduation held by the MSO this year, with 21 recruits having graduated in February and 22 having graduated in June. 

To learn more about the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and current career opportunities, please visit middlesexsheriff.org/hr.

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