19 Graduate Suffolk Sheriff Academy, Join Ranks Of Over 800

BRENTWOOD, NY — Nineteen new Suffolk corrections officers were reminded at their graduation last week that their profession now steps beyond supervision — into intelligence gathering and helping inmates with addiction — before they were deployed into the department’s ranks at its facilities in Yaphank and Riverhead.

In a ceremony that was live-streamed on Facebook, department officials described how the new officers join a force of over 800. The graduates spent the last 10 weeks in a rigorous training program, which included instruction in security and supervision, defensive tactics, legal issues, implicit bias training, essential services, and chemical weapons and firearms, as well as mock scenarios, according to a news release.

Sheriff Errol Toulon spoke about his recollection of his graduation from the New York City Correction Academy on Oct. 8, 1982, and reminded the graduates that the job title of a correction officer has changed, telling them, that they are “no longer just men and women working behind the four walls of the jail supervising inmates.”

“You are now trained professionals who will be gathering intelligence to help solve and prevent crimes,” Toulon said. “You will be helping those addicted to drugs and alcohol overcome their issues, and you will be working with these same men and women so they never return to jail.”

The graduates were feted by the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Suffolk County Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drums, and acting county Police Commissioner Stuart Cameron, as well as local politicians. The event was attended by Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, county Comptroller John Kennedy, county Clerk Judith Pascale, as well as county legislators Rob Calarco, Kara Hahn, Anthony Piccirillo, and Leslie Kennedy.

Toulon told the graduates, “you are now part of our extended family, and we have your back.”

“And, I can assure you, that as your sheriff, I have your back,” he added.