SJSO Correctional officers graduate
Published 12:00 am Saturday, August 3, 2019
- Officers graduating from POST Corrections July 19 are : Lennie Valentine, third from left, Jarrod Rebaldo, Cameron Tumminello, Ethan Nelson and Ridge Heikamp. With them are Assistant Wardens Jose Rel and Geo Giovingo, Warden Gordon Jeffcoat and Sheriff Mike Tregre.
LAPLACE — St. John Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre was pleased to speak at the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office’s fifth graduation of Peace Officer Standards and Training for Corrections officers. Officers from the SJSO as well as Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office participated in the 92-hour POST Corrections training and graduated from the department’s fifth class July 19 during a ceremony at Patrol Headquarters in LaPlace.
Sheriff Tregre commended the officers on their successful completion of this difficult course. “It takes a special person to work in a jail,” Sheriff Tregre said, “When you work in a jail, you learn a lot of lessons … especially about patience and tolerance … and how to be assertive and tactful. …. You learn about interacting with people. All of this can help you go a long way in your career and in your life. Stay focused.”
Graduates are Patrick Konczol, Cauy Phillips, Ravan Jackson and Percy Brown of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office; and Ethan Nelson, Ridge Heikamp, Lennie Valentine, Jarrod Rebaldo and Cameron Tumminello of the St. John Sheriff’s Office.
“Assistant Warden Lt. Geo Giovingo said. “In the four-week period, the officers have taken a total of 10 tests, which includes the final test required by POST. We are very proud of and amazed at what we have seen in these students. It takes commitment and dedication to absorb and retain so much information in four weeks.”
While officers may work in Corrections without being a peace officer, the Corrections certification bestows a higher level of authority to carry out job duties.
Students had 144 hours of coursework including legal aspects, report writing, use of force , CPR/Stop the Bleed , chemical agents, defensive tactics, straight baton, PR-24 baton, shotgun, taser, pepperball and basic jail guidelines.
Officer liability, inmate rights, transporting and escorting inmates, functions of a jail, principles of jail security, suicide prevention, and booking, classification, and release procedures were among the topics discussed.
Instructors were Giovingo, assistant warden and lead POST Corrections instructor; Lt. Jose Rel, assistant warden, defensive tactics and baton; Lts. Blane Rome Jr., Chip Wale and Jason Raborn who taught firearms training; Lt. Denise Bertrand, CPR/Stop the Bleed and first aid; and Attorney John Brehm of Carl Butler Law Firm, legal aspects.
