CDCR welcomed 271 new correctional officers with the first graduation of the year

CDCR welcomed 271 new correctional officers with the first graduation of the year at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center on Jan. 12.

The 271 cadets from Class 1-24A took the oath and officially became correctional officers for CDCR.

The event was a culmination of dedication and hard work as cadets successfully completed a rigorous 13-week Basic Correctional Officer Academy. Family and friends gathered to witness the transformative journey these individuals undertook, marking the beginning of their crucial roles in maintaining security and order within the correctional system.

Salinas Valley State Prison Warden Charles Schuyler delivered a powerful keynote address, emphasizing the importance of their roles in fulfilling the Department’s mission. As the new officers were sworn in, the room resonated with a sense of pride and accomplishment, echoing the support of those who stood by them throughout their training.

Interested applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.

Selfless acts of new officers

Cadets prepare for the ceremony.

Over 120 members of Class 1-24A voluntarily joined the National Marrow Donor Program, according to Scott McGregor, president of Officers Give Hope.

In a letter to CDCR, McGregor recognized their efforts and thanked those who volunteered to join the bone marrow donor registry.

“In 2023, more than 730 newly graduated CDCR correctional officers made that same selfless commitment, giving hope to patients throughout California, across the nation, and around the world. To say that is amazing would be an understatement,” McGregor wrote. “CDCR has been one of our most valued state partners for more than 20 years, helping to save lives through marrow donor registration drives. I truly know of no other state agency in California or elsewhere in our country that has done more to bring hope to blood cancer and blood disorder patients than CDCR.”

Please pass along our heartfelt appreciation to the academy staff for their support and assistance. The next donor drive will be for Class 2-24A on Feb. 29.

Submitted by Traci SkinnerRichard A. McGee Correctional Training Center

Photos by Sgt. Rangel