After a last-minute location change, Shea Theatre of Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman campus in Selden was deemed adequate space to fit the hundreds who turned out on Wednesday, Feb. 19th to honor the county’s newest class of correction officers.
Family, friends, local legislators and police personnel out the wazoo gathered to recognize the esteemed 46, with the bag-pipe kickoff for the ceremony going off at 11:00 a.m.
By midday, Sheriff Dr. Errol Toulon, Jr. and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine had helped usher in the graduates between the obligatory formation chants.
Deputy Warden Scott Walsh—commanding officer of The Academy Bureau—welcomed the loved ones on hand to celebrate Recruit Class 24169 before introducing the Sheriff.
Toulon revealed he had the opportunity to speak with the new corrections officers days ahead of their grand badge-earning indoctrination. He advised: “...really enjoy this day, from the moment you wake up, to the moment you put your head on the pillow at night.”
The Sheriff quipped that in the 1960s, his father was simply handed a uniform and told to report to the jailhouse. Meanwhile, Toulon had about six weeks of training himself in the 1980s, compared to the modern Suffolk C.O. who must withstand a 16-week all-intensive.
“I want to thank the family, friends, and the loved ones who are in the audience,” Toulon said. “Your encouragement and sacrifices have played a vital role in helping our graduates reach this day. The support you offer them does not end here. They will continue to be the anchor throughout their careers.”
In his congratulatory statement, Romaine assured the new corrections officers that they couldn’t have a better boss to report to than Toulon—whom he claims holds more compassion for the incarcerated than your average lawman in command.
“You have a sheriff that cares about the men and women who work for him. And as you’ll find out, will be deeply involved, and listening to every way he can help you do your job…. we’re counting on you.”
Before academic excellence, physical fitness and morale awards were issued, 24169 Class President Pete DiMartino recalled what training entailed.
“The first few weeks were tough,” he said. “Every day was a lesson in humility.”
He singled out use of force, CPR, first-aid, law classes, defensive tactics and firearms training as impactful coursework. Moreover, DiMartino notes any and all missteps made along the way taught each corrections officer in making valuable lessons, such as responsibility, accountability, and how to make decisions that uphold justice.
“This job teaches us mental toughness and empathy, and I truly believe we found that in the training,” said DiMartino. “We walked away stronger, with the knowledge and skills to protect ourselves and those around us.”
“This is not an easy job. No one in law enforcement has an easy job,” Romaine added. “We’re here to make sure that our jails are the best, that our staff is protected… and that we try to help people who may have taken the wrong path, and get them on the right one.”