The 108th Vermont Correctional Academy graduated on August 20th 2010. Each of the graduates has completed 200 hours of training, and have moved on to their 80 hours of on-the-job training at their local correctional facility.
The 108th marched into the Pavilion to start the graduation. They were followed by the Vermont Department of Corrections Honor Guard who presented the Colors of the United States, the State of Vermont, and the Vermont Department of Corrections.
Mark Shelton (Training Coordinator VT DOC) sang the Star Spangled Banner and the William Cathcart (Academy Administrator VT DOC) gave the opening remarks and introduce our panel of distinguished guests.
You may view the opening on the video below.
The Academy Achievement Awards were presented by Ross Farnsworth (Training Coordinator VT DOC).
The awards:
Class Valedictorian - Darrell D. Pilon
For outstanding Academic Achievement demonstrated by the highest grade point average of (97.4) during the 108th Vermont Correctional Academy.
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD - Christopher L. Merrill
For demonstrating superior leadership qualities and providing outstanding service during the 108th Vermont Correctional Academy.
The class was then addressed by Andrew Pallito, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections.
And by Secretary of the Agency of Human Services Robert Hofmann.
View their remarks here:
Then Keynote Speaker Lt. Governor Brian Dubie addressed the class.
Here is information on Lt. Governor Brian Dubie from http://ltgov.vermont.gov/about_lt_gov
Brian E. Dubie of Essex Junction, Chittenden County, was born in Burlington, Vermont on March 9, 1959. He is married to Penny Bolio Dubie, and they have four children.
Brian was educated in Essex Junction public schools, graduating from Essex Community Educational Center in 1977. Brian is a 1982 graduate of the University of Vermont with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
While a student at UVM, Brian joined the Vermont Air National Guard. Upon graduation, he was trained by the US Air Force in the F-4 Phantom and later the F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft. He continued flying in the Air Guard, while employed by Goodrich Aerospace in Vergennes as a mechanical engineer. He later became an aerospace industry project manager.
All told, Brian logged more than 2,500 hours in fighter aircraft. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was a Commander in the Vermont Air Guard. In 1988, he joined American Airlines, where he is a Captain, flying the MD-80 aircraft. In 1998, he joined the US Air Force Reserve. He is currently an Emergency Preparedness Officer in the National Security Emergency Preparedness Agency. Serving in that role, he earned a Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, for his actions in New York following Sept. 11, 2001. In Sept. 2005, Lt. Gov. Dubie served for 2 weeks on the Gulf Coast in the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina, and for his service was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, for outstanding achievement at 1st Air Force Hurricane Katrina Operations Center. He is currently a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
He served on the Essex Junction School Board from 1995 - 2000, and as Chair from 1996 - 2000. He served on the Essex Junction Community Drug Awareness Committee from 1993 - 1995, and as assistant coach for Youth Football and Little League. He has been on the Board of Directors for Vermont Systems, Inc. since 1995.
Brian Dubie was first sworn in as Vermont's 85th Lieutenant Governor on January 9, 2003. He began his fourth term on January 8, 2009.
View his address here:
The 108th then took time to remember our staff that is currently deployed with our armed forces.
The following is a list of our deployed staff members:
Stephanie Allen, Robert Arnell III, Lincoln Barbieri, Anthony Barry, Justin Bell, Christopher Boutin, Jonathan Bruce, David Buley, Robert Bunch, Roy Catella, Nelson Charron, Paul Cross, Patrick Dixon, Nicholas Fortier, Albert Frye, John Hernandez, Kevin Jewer, Robert Kenney, Tyrel Kerr, Caleb Lefebvre, Sarah Pahlete, Wayne Pittman, Michael Prue, Barbara Quilliam, William Singleton, Jason Smith, Robert Soucy, Stanley Wood, Robert Wright
Joanna Aldrich, NERCF Michael Almeida, CRCF Andrew Baccei, SSCF John Calamaio, NERCF Robert Combs, SSCF Jon Fletcher, SESCF Justin Franks, CRCF Zachary Gilligan, NERCF Kimberly Gilpin, NWSCF Kevin Hoisington, SSCF Scott Kendall, SSCF Margot Lutz, NWSCF Christopher Merrill, SSCF Michael Millette, CRCF Keenan Monette, NWSCF Darrell Pilon, NERCF Steven Quinn, NERCF Robert Rearick, CRCF Victor Rentas, NWSCF Joshua Ryea, CRCF Michelle Seavey, SESCF Joshua Stevens, NSCF Erica Thaxton, CRCF Michael Wilson, CRCF Joy Yonan-Renold, NERCF Andrew Pallito, Commissioner VT DOC Robert Hofmann, Secretary AHS William Cathcart, Academy Administrator Shawn Stocker, TA MVRCF
The Opening Ceremony
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| Opening Ceremony 108th VCA |
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| Mark Shelton |
You may view the opening on the video below.
The Academy Achievement Awards were presented by Ross Farnsworth (Training Coordinator VT DOC).
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| Ross Farnsworth |
Class Valedictorian - Darrell D. Pilon
For outstanding Academic Achievement demonstrated by the highest grade point average of (97.4) during the 108th Vermont Correctional Academy.
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD - Christopher L. Merrill
For demonstrating superior leadership qualities and providing outstanding service during the 108th Vermont Correctional Academy.
In addition to his academic achievement Darrell D. Pilon was selected by his classmates to be their class speaker at their graduation.
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| Darrell D. Pilon |
You can watch the video of them receiving their awards and the oration of the 108th class speaker here.
Here is a copy of CO Pilon's class speech:
Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, families and friends thank you for attending the 108th Vermont Correctional Academy
Five weeks ago 30 of us arrived at the Correctional Academy in Waterbury hello Academy
During the last five weeks we have received extensive training in many areas such as communication techniques, department regulations, non-lethal use of force and legal issues. Some of us had to study while others did not. Some over studied and became stressed at times. This Academy is big on team building. As the five weeks went on we worked together academically and physical so those that earned it are sitting here today. An example of this teamwork came during week four when the class experienced the use of OC spray. We all experienced the effects and supported each other through the decontamination process. It was responsibility, commitment and compassion; all values included in a correctional officer. Something to role model for the inmates under our supervision.
I would like to express the class’s gratitude to the Academy staff. They are individuals who have formed one of the best teams to help us discover our courage, ability and knowledge to become correctional officers.
I stand before you as what my classmates would like exemplified as a correctional officer. I believe all of the 108th Vermont Correctional Academy
Thank you
The class was then addressed by Andrew Pallito, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections.
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| Andrew Pallito |
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| Robert Hofmann |
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| A Cadet receives her certificate |
The 108th was then presented their certificates and took the Vermont Department of Corrections Professional Oath.
The oath was administered by William Lawhorn, Director of Security, Operations & Audits.
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| William Lawhorn |
Then Keynote Speaker Lt. Governor Brian Dubie addressed the class.
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| Brian Dubie |
Brian E. Dubie of Essex Junction, Chittenden County, was born in Burlington, Vermont on March 9, 1959. He is married to Penny Bolio Dubie, and they have four children.
Brian was educated in Essex Junction public schools, graduating from Essex Community Educational Center in 1977. Brian is a 1982 graduate of the University of Vermont with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
While a student at UVM, Brian joined the Vermont Air National Guard. Upon graduation, he was trained by the US Air Force in the F-4 Phantom and later the F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft. He continued flying in the Air Guard, while employed by Goodrich Aerospace in Vergennes as a mechanical engineer. He later became an aerospace industry project manager.
All told, Brian logged more than 2,500 hours in fighter aircraft. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was a Commander in the Vermont Air Guard. In 1988, he joined American Airlines, where he is a Captain, flying the MD-80 aircraft. In 1998, he joined the US Air Force Reserve. He is currently an Emergency Preparedness Officer in the National Security Emergency Preparedness Agency. Serving in that role, he earned a Meritorious Service Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, for his actions in New York following Sept. 11, 2001. In Sept. 2005, Lt. Gov. Dubie served for 2 weeks on the Gulf Coast in the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina, and for his service was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, for outstanding achievement at 1st Air Force Hurricane Katrina Operations Center. He is currently a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
He served on the Essex Junction School Board from 1995 - 2000, and as Chair from 1996 - 2000. He served on the Essex Junction Community Drug Awareness Committee from 1993 - 1995, and as assistant coach for Youth Football and Little League. He has been on the Board of Directors for Vermont Systems, Inc. since 1995.
Brian Dubie was first sworn in as Vermont's 85th Lieutenant Governor on January 9, 2003. He began his fourth term on January 8, 2009.
View his address here:
The 108th then took time to remember our staff that is currently deployed with our armed forces.
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| Mark Shelton |
Stephanie Allen, Robert Arnell III, Lincoln Barbieri, Anthony Barry, Justin Bell, Christopher Boutin, Jonathan Bruce, David Buley, Robert Bunch, Roy Catella, Nelson Charron, Paul Cross, Patrick Dixon, Nicholas Fortier, Albert Frye, John Hernandez, Kevin Jewer, Robert Kenney, Tyrel Kerr, Caleb Lefebvre, Sarah Pahlete, Wayne Pittman, Michael Prue, Barbara Quilliam, William Singleton, Jason Smith, Robert Soucy, Stanley Wood, Robert Wright
May they return to us safely.
The 108th then had to return the Guidon back to the Academy to be passed on to the 109th VCA that will start in October.
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| The Guidon is passed back to William Cathcart |
The Vermont Department of Corrections Honor Guard retreives the colors and leads the 108th out of the Pavilion in the class recessional.
The Vermont Department of Corrections' Training Center would like to thank the following instructors and training assistants for their hours of hard work. With out them and the support of their local work-sites we would not be able to conduct the 200 hours of training that each of our officer candidates needs to succeed on the job.
Instructors
Kyle Beckwith, Phillip Belcher, John Cannon, William Cathcart, Ross Farnsworth, Brandon Gallant, Tim Goad, Michaela Hammond, Kurt Kuehl, Robert Kupec, William Lawhorn, Rob Lowell, Brian Mclaughlin, Karen Rhodes, Harold Rock, Jodi Safford, Nancy Simoes, Michael Simonds, Jennifer Sprafke, Randy St. Peter, Wendy Yoder
Training Assistants
Jason Sanders, COII Kyle Beckwith, COII Chad Fontaine, COI Phillip Belcher, COI Shawn Stocker, COIIIf you wish to see more pictures of the 108th VCA Graduation Ceremony and of their time training at the Vermont Correctional Academy. Click on this slide show and go to an on-line photo album of the class.
Each graduate of the 108th Vermont Correctional Academy has completed 200 hours of training. Below are some of the chapters and modules
covered during their Academy.
Orientation
Academy Rules & Regulations
Ethics
Corrections Professional
AHS Overview
Rights & Responsibility of Offenders
Legal Issues in Corrections
Offender Grievance
Medical & Mental Health
Suicide Prevention
CPR/First-aid
Sexual Abuse & Assault
PREA
Sexual Harassment
Supervision of Offenders
Offender Discipline
Working with Women Offenders
Conflict & Crisis Management
Advanced Communication Skills
Non-Lethal Use of Force
Security Management
Contraband & Searches
Report Writing
Emergency Prevention & Response
Fire Safety
The Vermont Department of Corrections' Training Center thanks you for visiting our blog and we hope that you and your families always stay safe...
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