By Bryan Henry
WSFA
MONTGOMERY, AL — It’s graduation day for people like Nathan Runion. Runion along with more than 70 of his fellow recruits spent 12 weeks qualifying to become state corrections officers.
As class president Runion steps into a new chapter in his life.
“I know I am prepared and ready to go,” said Runion.
The guest speaker warned the new graduates of tough days ahead when dealing with inmates. What wasn’t discussed in detail was the huge shortage of corrections officers in Alabama, a class of 72 doesn’t even begin to touch the shortage of 1,500 officers, a shortage due to state budget cuts.
Still, state prison chief Kim Thomas feels this will help.
“It’s a start and it’s the quality of the officers that matter,” said Commissioner Thomas.
Full story: 70 graduate, become Ala. state corrections officers