HAVERHILL — Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger swore in 32 new correctional officers and promoted 10 employees at a Basic Training Academy graduation at Northern Essex Community College on Wednesday, Jan. 10. 

The new officers recently completed a 12-week academy that included training in department protocols and procedures, as well as training in de-escalation, mental health, medical response, driving skills, and physical fitness. The training was done at the Essex County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy at Northern Essex Community College. The academy utilizes a mock housing unit and cells to provide scenario-based training to prepare officers for their work in corrections.  All will be eligible to become deputy sheriffs for Essex County in a year’s time.

“This is one of our largest and best classes of recruits. They have completed their training with great competence, professionalism, and dedication to one of the toughest jobs in law enforcement,” Sheriff Coppinger said. “We look forward to these men and women joining our ranks and doing their best to serve the good people of Essex County.”

The new officers are:

During the ceremony, Sheriff Coppinger also promoted 10 employees:

• Scott Sullivan to chief legal counsel
• David Earle to assistant superintendent of Middleton
• Kerri Patterson to director of security
• Vicki Barry to assistant director of pretrial and reentry services
• Caroline Siebert to civil process office supervisor
• Richard Tarby, Steven Purpora, and Wayne Rodgers to classification worker
• Samantha Keeney to executive assistant/recruitment
• Cortney Otolo to training clerk

The Essex County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to hire officers. Applicants must be 19 by the time they start the Basic Training Academy. The Sheriff’s Department offers paid training, a $2,500 sign-on bonus, and up to $68,000 a year to start. For more information on all the great benefits or how to apply, please visit www.workatessexsheriff.com.