Rodriguez Sworn In Dec. 5 As Worcester County Correctional Officer

PAXTON, MA — Worcester County Correctional Officer Jonathan Rodriguez of Warwick, RI was one of 12 graduates of the Sheriff’s Office 64th Basic Recruit Training Academy (B.R.T.A.) sworn in Dec. 5 at Anna Maria College’s Zecco Auditorium.

Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis administered the Correctional Officers Oath to Rodriguez and his peers.

‘The graduates of B.R.T.A. #64 form a capable group of new correctional officers, bringing unique skills and experiences to the department. This class comes from eight Massachusetts towns, as well as towns in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and includes four individuals with current or prior service in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a release Wednesday.

The Sheriff’s Office Academy offers a paid, full-time 13-week training program designed to prepare recruits for maintaining the care, custody, and control of inmates at the Worcester County Jail & House of Correction. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice.

Recruits receive instruction in key areas, including de-escalation, the duty to intervene, fire safety, defensive tactics, and first responder procedures, along with significant training on suicide prevention, mental health, and substance abuse awareness.

Training also includes daily physical fitness, weekly academic assessments, and guest instruction from various WCSO staff.

“After 13 demanding weeks, I am proud to present some of the best and brightest in corrections,” said Evangelidis. “Our Training Department is among the strongest in the state, and these graduates are ready to serve as full-time correctional officers and support our mission. Congratulations to them as they begin their careers.”

Worcester County Correctional Officer Program Seeks Recruits

Applicants must complete a written exam, physical fitness test, background check, and psychological screening. The Sheriff has also implemented hiring policies to ensure fairness, including banning political recommendation letters and giving preference to those who have served in the military. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 65th Basic Recruit Training Academy, beginning in Spring 2026.