Community & Business
3 October, 2024
Lotus Glen’s 16 new recruits welcomed
ANOTHER 16 Custodial Correctional Officers (CCOs) have graduated from an intensive, 10-week Custodial Officer Entry program and are ready to join the frontline at the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre.
After 10 weeks of intensive Queensland Corrective Services training, the 16 new CCOs were recognised for their commitment to the safety of Queenslanders at a Far North Queensland graduation parade.
Two officers with more than 65 years of experience between them were awarded the Commissioner’s Medallion for Retiring Officers, including dog squad handler Terry, who also received the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 Clasp for frontline pandemic service.
A third Commissioner’s Medallion was presented posthumously to the family of a former QCS employee.
CCOs graduating to the frontline at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre include a former chef and a banana farm manager.
It’s estimated more than 850 CCOs will have graduated from the QCS Academy between July and December this year.
Lotus Glen general manager Chief Superintendent Gabrielle Payne welcomed the new recruits.
“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we strive to ensure they are supported as they carry out their often-unseen duties,” she said.
“We welcome 16 new correctional officers to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, as we also recognise the long-standing service and commitment of some of our most experienced officers with the Commissioner’s Medallion for Retiring Officers and the Emergency Response Medal with Covid-19 Clasp.
“Correctional officers make public safety the priority every day, striving to ensure prisoners and offenders are less likely to return to crime.”
