Family, friends and colleagues gathered Friday in Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building to celebrate the graduation of 17 new corrections officers from the WCC Corrections Academy Fall Class of 2025.
The graduates, already employed by sheriff’s offices in Washtenaw, Ingham, Lenawee and Monroe counties, completed the training required by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating & Training Council (MSCTC). The Council mandates that newly hired officers complete an approved academy program within their first year of employment.
WCC’s Public Service Training Department operates one of only 10 approved local corrections academies in the state.
Lt. Richard Williams III of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office delivered the keynote address. A lifelong Washtenaw County resident, Williams is recognized as a respected law enforcement leader, minister and youth mentor whose work reflects a deep commitment to justice and community service.
To earn certification as Local Corrections Officers, graduates completed 160 hours of instruction across 14 training modules, culminating in a comprehensive final exam. The curriculum is taught by a team of current and retired police, fire and corrections professionals.
Class President Grant Lovejoy of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office thanked the instructors for preparing the class for the challenges of the profession.
“You didn't just train us to do the job, you helped us become better correctional officers, ready to give our best in every aspect of our role," Lovejoy said. "Many people think corrections is just about turning keys and doing headcounts, but it's so much more than that. We have a unique opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, to influence how they see their situation, or even help shift their mindset. We're not just there to enforce rules or pass trays. We're there to listen, to guide, and to treat people like people. We're not robots. We’re humans, too.”
WCC Corrections Academy
Fall Class of 2025
Ingham County Sheriff’s Office: Donna Hartman, Danielle Smith
Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office: Brandi Tenniswood, Lucas Toler
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office: Lillie Goss, Ethan Jeffers, Robert Origel, Jessica Rachuba
Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office: Michael Bradley, McKinney Fry, Donovan Hall, Malick Hassane-Bagnou, Grant Loveday, Dustin Mattison, Simone Parson, Braydon Randolph, Douglas Williams