Marion resident graduates from Barnstable County sheriff training

MARION — Joel Watters of Marion was among the 21 individuals who have completed the 12-week training program to become Barnstable County Sheriff’s corrections officers following a graduation ceremony on Jan. 10 at Mashpee Middle-High School.

The cadets who were accepted into and completed the academy come from diverse backgrounds, including social work, special needs education, insurance, cyber security, transportation, construction, the U.S. military, and the U.S. Postal Service, according to the office of Barnstable County Sheriff Donna D. Buckley. 

The academy is an intense training program held at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility where cadets learn first responder skills, de-escalation strategies, mental health first aid, laws, rules, regulations, and effective interpersonal communication. Instructors guide them through daily workout routines to achieve physical fitness standards.

These cadets also jumped into icy water during the Mobile Polar Plunge in November to raise funds for the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics. They also marched in the Mashpee Christmas Parade.

“We are very proud of our 21 new corrections officers and welcome them to the Cape Cod public safety community,” Buckley said. “It takes strength and heart to do this work. We are transforming lives.”