Seven cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy on Aug. 23. Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — Seven cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s CORE Custody Academy on Aug. 23 during a ceremony held at the college’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc.
“You are the beginning of a career in one of the most demanding fields out there,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. “Your choice to serve your community is honorable and admirable.”
All seven graduates of CORE Academy Class #17 completed a comprehensive California Standards and Training for Corrections course consisting of 260 hours of instruction. The six-week academy is designed to prepare students to work as correctional officers. Some of the instruction included emergency planning in a custody facility, report writing, ethics, investigation procedures, contraband, arrest and control, physical fitness training, CPR/First Aid and emergency vehicle operations.
“We faced challenges and struggles that tested us, and we forged bonds that will last for a lifetime,” said graduating cadet Raymond Dawson, who was named the class’s valedictorian.
Six of the CORE Academy graduates will go on to work as custody deputies for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
The CORE Academy Class #16 graduates include: Justin Albicker-Davies, Raymond Dawson, Cedric Garrett, Andrew Reyes, Sara Rodriguez, Juana Torres Reina and Emily Vasquez.