21 new officers graduate from Broome County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Academy

BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. (WBNG) - On Friday, Oct. 16, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Academy welcomed 21 new corrections officers in a ceremony recognizing this year’s fall class of 2026.

The ceremony marks the completion of six intensive weeks of training.

Training consisted of 12-hour days covering defensive tactics, law and more, as they prepared for careers serving their communities as corrections officers.

“Protect the badge, protect the uniform, and most importantly, protect the reputation that comes with both. There will be difficult days ahead. On those days, remember why you started,” said Craig Dumond, Delaware County Sheriff.

Of the graduating class, one will serve with the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and 20 will serve in the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.

The newly graduated recruits have already begun helping to fill staffing shortages.

“This class received some of the best and most focused training of any corrections academy in the Broome County Sheriff’s Office history,” said Sheriff Fred Akshar. “They’ve shown determination, diligence and incredible work ethic during their training, even pitching in to assist their colleagues at the Correctional Facility when needed. My thanks to the entire Training Division, the instructors and Corrections Training Director Shawn Nalepa for instilling our officers with the essential education, resilience and compassion required to serve and protect our community in their chosen profession. We also thank and recognize our graduates’ families for all their support throughout their journey. Congratulations graduates!”

The Broome County correctional officers oversee the facility through specialized roles, including investigations, classifications, field training, Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and more.