LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Dozens of local residents participated in the six-week civilian outreach academy at the Hampden County Jail Wednesday night in Ludlow.
The academy was started by Sherriff Nick Cocchi to give the public an inside look at what corrections officers do. During the six week program, participants will get to see inside of the facility, and learn about things like drug addiction, gang awareness, and even get CPR training.
The residents enrolled ranged in age from 18 to 89, and included Chicopee treasurer Marie Laflamme.
Lieutenant Wade Dubois from the Sheriff’s Department told 22News, “A day in the life of a corrections officer. They’ll have cell extraction training exposure, they will get a canine demonstration.”
Treasurer LaFlamme said, “I’m a public servant, I’m always interested in learning. I want to make sure I know what’s going on in our community.”
This is the second class of the civilian academy. The program runs for six weeks.
