Department of Public Safety

Congratulations to New Correctional Officers

14 new City Correctional Officers were sworn in during their Graduation Ceremony

March 22, 2014 | 2 min reading time

This article is 11 years old. It was published on March 22, 2014.

Parrie May gives the Oath of Office to the City's newest Correctional Officers on Friday, March 21, 2014.
Photo by Cathy Smentkowski Title: City Register Parrie May gives the Oath of Office to the new Correctional Officers during a ceremony on Friday, March 21, 2014.
Source: Cathy Smentkowski

 The Department of Public Safety Division of Corrections held a graduation ceremony Friday, March 21, 2014 for its latest class of Correctional Officers.  Speakers included Richard Gray, Director of Public Safety; Dale Glass, Corrections Commissioner; Patrick Schommer, Medium Security Institution Detention Superintendent; Leonard Edwards, St. Louis City Justice Center Detention Superintendent and Reba Rice-Portwood, Division of Corrections Correctional Training Officer.  Special thanks to St. Louis Union Station for providing a room for the ceremony and reception that immediately followed.

Graduates

  • Officer Artez Davis
  • Officer Valerie Durham
  • Officer Antione Franklin
  • Officer Daniel Garavaglia
  • Officer Charla Green
  • Officer DeAndress Green
  • Officer Elaine Hamilton
  • Officer Rosanne Hunter
  • Officer Douglas Jones
  • Officer Arielle Lindo
  • Officer Travis Matthews
  • Officer Carla Porter
  • Officer Cordell Rucker
  • Officer David Stevens

Impartation of Wisdom to Correction Officers

For the occasion, Correctional Training Officer Reba Rice-Portwood authored the following poem:

You've all been through extensive training
And a great job you did do
But if you'll allow me just a moment
I'll impart some wisdom to you.

There is an art to doing this job
And a way to do it well
And if you'll listen intensively
I'll share what that entails.

First, it entails some integrity
And a great deal of honesty too.
You should always adhere to Policy & Procedure
And allow that manual to inspire you.

To inspire you to be nonjudgmental
To inspire you to do what is right
To thoroughly understand the "Code of Ethics"
And allow that to be your light.

Your light to shine on tough decisions
That you aren't sure which to make.
Remember your choice won't just affect you
But other people's lives are at stake.

Remember each person is an individual
And you are to be consistent, firm and fair
And as long as you follow the guidelines
It's OK to let someone know you care.

Manage and supervise the inmates
Exclude what their case may be.
Treat them the way you want to be treated
And that's with respect and dignity.

Always communicate like a professional
Someone with class and respect
Even if you're upset about something else
In your voice I should never detect.

Maintain a positive demeanor
When confronted with negative things
Because every now & then in this environment
Negative situations it will bring.

Contribute to anything empowering
Anything uplifting, get involved
'Cause when the stress comes & at times it will
That uplifting will be your resolve.

Learn how to manage your emotions
And don't allow them to manage you.
Strive to be better than yesterday
And a long ways it will carry you through.

Avoid all rumors and gossip
Don't be a person to spread it around.
Be the type of person who builds people up
And not one who tears them down.

When it comes to being a Corrections Officer
Allow your inner voice to be your guide
And then when you put that uniform on
You wear it with honor and pride.

So congratulations to you all
You've done a great job indeed
So go on out there, make us proud
We're looking forward to seeing you succeed.


Department of Public Safety
City of St. Louis



  • Department:
    Department of Public Safety
  • Topic:
    Employees

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