Author: Sonja Bennett-Bellamy
Twenty-four men and women proudly took the oath of office as they became graduates of the first basic probation/parole officer training in 2018.
Family members, friends and trainers watched as Superior Court Judge Vince Rozier delivered the oath at a special ceremony held at the Office of Staff Development and Training Complex in Apex.
Community Corrections Director Tracy Lee was keynote speaker for the ceremony. He shared wisdom from his early career as a Probation/Parole Officer in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Make sure your honor, your integrity and your reputation remain intact,” said Lee.
Lee reminded the new officers that safety should be their number one priority when they’re serving in the field.
“In today’s environment, officer safety and situational awareness is the most important thing I want these graduates to take away,” said Lee. “Today’s offender is different than in the past. We’re dealing with more violent offenders so we have to make sure we’re aware of where we are and what we’re doing. We’re making sure we train our staff in the very best way that we can.”
Lee presented the new PPOs with their official badges and certificates. Special honors were given to two officers who were the top performers in the class.
Charlotte Doran, received the award for making the highest grade on the state exam. Doran said she looks forward to having a positive influence on those who have made mistakes in the past.
“I believe that everyone deserves a second chance and they need to know that their life doesn’t always have to be about crime,” said Doran. “I’m excited about helping them discover that.”
Andre Bowens from Cumberland County is excited about his new career.
“It’s so humbling to me, to be recognized for making such an accomplishment in my new career field, and I’m so excited about becoming a new officer,” said Bowens.
The graduates completed five weeks of training at the N.C. Justice Academy in Salemburg. They will now report for duty in various cities throughout the state.