Delaware Probation and Parole graduated and assigned 11 employees from its Basic Officer Training Course(BOTC). These Graduates took the oath of office at which time they were sworn in as Probation Officers before family, friends, FOP brothers and sisters, DOC officials, and special guest Colonel Nathaniel McQueen of the Delaware State Police. Five Correctional Officers also received certificated for completing the community weapons program which is just a small part of the BOTC program.

The ceremony featured remarks by Department of Correction Commissioner Robert M. Coupe, training staff, Chaplain Gus Christo, and class speaker Probation Officer, Laura McDowell. Officer McDowell was also presented with the Outstanding Recruit Award.

Commissioner Coupe thanked friends and relatives of the graduating class for supporting the newly graduated officers during their time in the training academy. To solidify the importance of Probation Officers in the Delaware Law Enforcement community, Coupe referenced the following data: “Statistics indicate that 85% of the offenders under the Supervision of our P&P Officers are successfully discharged from probation; a true testament to the commitment and fairness of our officers.” He then closed with a quote from Edward Everett Hale, an American Writer and Clergyman, who said, “I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will.”

BOTC 14 was led by primary instructor Lieutenant Jodie Hunter .

Congratulations to our newest brothers and sisters:

Gavin Bethell

Linwood Crawford

Christine Fruewirth

Jarrett Johnson

Laura McDowell

Abby Mitchell

Alexander Pearce

Christopher Rains

Andrew Savio

Kishia Smith

Corey Wimberley