The Two Bridges Regional Jail has seven new correctional officers following graduation ceremonies at the facility May 17.

The new officers are Tom Chryplewicz, Jonathan Lackee, Eric Bryan, Jarrod Erdmann, Jason Hardwick, Adam Lebel and Derek Maroon.

Col. Mark Westrum, correctional administrator at Two Bridges, congratulated the new staff members and welcomed them to the Two Bridges family.

"We look for the best and the brightest men and women available for these positions. I believe this group is just that," Westrum said.

He also addressed the family members of the graduates expressing appreciation for the support they had given their family member in their endeavor to become a correctional officer. "It certainly hasn't been easy for them," he said.

Looking at the new officers, Westrum said, "You are no longer recruits; you are now correctional officers and members of the Two Bridges Regional Jail family. You have chosen an honorable profession, no less important than that of police officers or any other member of a public safety agency."

"These new officers will need to think on their feet," Westrum said, "They will need to help solve inmates' problems and conflicts, while maintaining organization in their pods."

Following the swearing in ceremony, a video was presented of the new officers qualifying to use pepper spray. However, to be certified to use pepper spray the officers must experience being sprayed themselves.

Corrections officers who work directly with inmates do not carry weapons. They carry communication devices so they can call for help if needed. Officers sometimes use physical force to maintain order among inmates. In these cases, they use weapons such as batons or pepper spray, and handcuffs and other restraints.

Guests to the graduation were invited to tour the jail, along with being treated to refreshments after the ceremony.