Washtenaw Community College celebrated 21 graduates of its Fall 2026 Corrections Academy, including seven officers serving the Washtenaw County community, during an October 9 ceremony.
The graduates, representing sheriff's offices in Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee and Jackson counties, completed four weeks of intensive training to earn certification as Local Corrections Officers.
RELATED: Corrections Academy Graduation Photo Gallery
Family members, friends and law enforcement personnel gathered in Towsley Auditorium in the Morris Lawrence Building to recognize the graduates and their commitment to public safety.
Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer delivered the keynote address, while Michael Grodi, CEO and Executive Secretary of the Michigan Sheriffs' Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC), also addressed the class.
Two Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office officers held leadership positions within the graduating class. NathanJo Ziemann served as Class President, and Mustafa Alnubani served as Sergeant at Arms.
In remarks on behalf of the class, Ziemann reflected on the lessons learned during the academy, emphasizing the importance of discipline, communication, de-escalation, professionalism and respect.
"During the academy we didn't just learn what it means to be corrections officers, we learned what it means to be entrusted with people's safety," Ziemann said. "Compliance through respect and empathy will always be met with less resistance than compliance through fear and intimidation."
WCC's Corrections Academy provides essential training for officers who work in county correctional facilities, helping local law enforcement agencies meet state certification requirements.
The academy is one of 10 approved corrections academies in Michigan and operates under standards established by the MSCTC. WCC offers two Corrections Academy sessions annually.
Participants are already employed by county sheriff's offices and must complete approved academy training during their first year of employment.
The 160-hour curriculum includes 14 training modules covering defensive tactics, custody and security, prisoner mental health, correctional law, stress management, first aid and CPR, fire safety, report writing, booking and intake procedures, cultural diversity, interpersonal communication, ethics and professionalism.
Training is delivered by experienced current and retired law enforcement and corrections professionals.
Fall 2026 graduates
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
- Mustafa Alnubani
- Casey Lindhorst
- Heather Norton
- Erin Possanza
- Nicholas Saley
- Jordan Union
- NathanJo Ziemann
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
- Benjamin Calandra
- Vance Crawford
- Mariane Cruz
- Garrett Ford
- Clayton Mays
- Jadon Monday
- Denver Rice
- Britini Schlump
Lenawee County Sheriff's Office
- Benjamin Ewald
- Teri Hilyard
- Braylon Petty
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
- Amanda Conner
- Deonte White
Tags: Correctons Academy, Graduation, Public Service Training