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173 new correctional officers graduate academy

September 19, 2024

New correctional officers celebrate their graduation with loved ones at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy for class 6-24A.

CDCR welcomed 173 new correctional officers as they graduated from the Basic Correctional Officer Academy Sept. 13.

The ceremony was held at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt.

Class 6-24A began June 17 with cadets completing 520 hours of in-classroom instruction along with reality-based training.

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During the ceremony, High Desert State Prison Warden Rob St. Andre delivered the keynote address as family, friends, and fellow officers attended.

Generations of service marked at CDCR

Prison warden and his son at the correctional officer graduation. — Warden Rob St. Andre proudly pins the badge onto his son Nicholas.

Father and his son, one of 173 new correctional officers to graduate the CDCR academy in September 2024. — Warden Rob St. Andre proudly pins the badge onto his son Nicholas.

“This is a very proud, humbling, and emotional day for me,” said Warden St. Andre. “As I look back on a 28-year career, I am very honored and proud to have been asked to be the keynote speaker in today’s graduation ceremony, especially with my son being in today’s graduating class. I’m proud of you, son.”

Nicholas St. Andre is among the newly assigned officers to 21 different institutions across the state. He is currently serving as a member of the staff at High Desert State Prison.

New correctional officer John Elmore. — J. Elmore cheers on his fellow cadets.

During the ceremony, many CDCR employees were in attendance to congratulate family members who were pursuing careers in the organization.

Among those recognized were Zong Chang, a San Quentin correctional officer, and his son Huechi, a new officer at Mule Creek State Prison.

The presence of multiple familial ties within the CDCR workforce underscores the continuation of a legacy of service and dedication.

“The success of your graduating cadet is in large part (due) to love, encouragement, and unwavering support,” said Academy Administrator Breann Cantu. “(The support) you have bestowed upon them through their journey has led them here today.”

One of the new correctional officers said this has been a lifelong dream.

“I enrolled, because this has always been a dream of mine,” said John Elmore, assigned to California State Prison, Sacramento. “There’s so much more to even learn when we’re being taught at institutions. I’ve learned to always be like a sponge.”

Warden Andre: ‘Advocate for change’

During his address to the new officers, as well as the hundreds of family members and friends, St. Andre emphasized the significance of embracing change and fostering innovative thinking. He said they are catalysts for enhancing the department as a conducive work environment.

“Change is what makes this department a better place to work. So, be an advocate for change and new ways of thinking,” said St. Andre.

“CDCR looks forward to the positive contributions these newly graduated officers will make on the Department,” according to a statement issued by the academy.

Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development’s Office of Peace Officer Selection invites all CDCR staff to be recruiters. Discussing the benefits and opportunities available in a career as a correctional officer helps these recruitment efforts.

Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.

Story, photos and video by Pedro Calderón Michel, deputy press secretary
Office of Public and Employee Communications