Local Counties Welcome New Core Academy Graduates

SIERRA COUNTY AREA — Sierra County Chief Probation Officer Chuck Henson highlighted new deputy probation officer Doug McClure in a statement to The Messenger. McClure finished the 189-hour Probation Officer Core Course at Lassen Community College Public Safety Center on February 12. “Officer McClure is primarily working with our juvenile population and working with a portion of the adult offender population as well, given the retirement of Officer Scott Quade in late April. He will serve all of Sierra County from both the Loyalton field office and the Downieville Courthouse office,” says Henson.

The Probation Officer Core Course is certified by the Standards and Training for Corrections, a state agency. Participants receive intensive instruction in the criminal justice system, offender supervision techniques, emergency procedures, defensive tactics, and case or facility management.

Chief Probation Officer Henson outlined further training ahead for McClure, saying, “In the next few months, he will receive specialized training in many different areas, including emergency vehicle operation, advanced firearms and tactics training, first aid and CPR, motivational interviewing, report writing, and his two-week Juvenile Placement Core course beginning April 6th,” he said.

California probation officers perform specialized tasks daily to hold offenders accountable while supporting rehabilitation. “All Sierra County Probation Officers not only meet annual requirements to complete 40 hours of State-approved training, but exceed these minimums to ensure that they remain trained and up to date in all areas,” Chief Henson added. The small department operates with only three officers when fully staffed.

Nearby counties also reported graduates from the Adult Corrections Officer Core Academy in late March. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office celebrated two new correctional officers. “Another milestone this week as we celebrated two more Core graduates—Correctional Officer Fatheree and Correctional Officer Molina!” the department posted. “Congratulations, we are looking forward to the meaningful work you’ll do in service to our community.”

The Yuba County Sheriff’s Department announced three graduates. “After 187 hours of curriculum and training, Officers Galvez, Callis, and Ceja received their certificates this morning during a special ceremony up in Redding,” the department posted.

The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office graduated four officers from its program. Thomas Montoya, Ethan Shockley, Anthony Sanchez, and Dylan McGarva completed the Adult Corrections Core Course on March 26. Officials swore in three graduates as correctional deputies immediately after the ceremony.