IMPACT GEORGIA MAGAZINE
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P R O U D T O B E G D C
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS GRADUATES NEW OFFICERS
The Georgia Department of Corrections ( GDC ) Basic Correctional Officer Training ( BCOT ) graduation ceremonies have always been filled with cadets ’ friends and family , celebrating the agency ’ s newest officers ’ accomplishments . In June 2020 , the pandemic changed how the graduation ceremonies were held , but the pride that filled each newly sworn officer was the same .
The new ceremonies do not include friends and family sitting side-by-side , classmates stand six-feet apart instead of shoulder-to-shoulder , and they wear their masks to protect themselves and each other . The cadet ’ s eyes remain locked on the speakers for the ceremonies as they take their oath of office , proud to be a part of GDC and ready to face their new adventure .
Commissioner Timothy C . Ward congratulated the cadets and told them they would face even more challenges now with the new normal , but he was proud of them and know they will bring pride to the agency .
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