Sheriff Evangelidis Swears in Nong of Tewksbury as an Academy-Trained Correctional Officer for Worcester County

Congratulations to Tewksbury resident Officer Sakdaratanak Nong!

West Boylston, MA – On Friday, June 6th, 2025, Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis proudly administered the Correctional Officers Oath to the 16 graduating recruits of the Sheriff’s Office’s 63rd Basic Recruit Training Academy (B.R.T.A.) at the department’s Training and Command Center in West Boylston. Among the 16 graduates was Officer Sakdaratanak Nong of Tewksbury.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring public safety across the cities and towns in Worcester County. The department recognizes the importance of building a team that reflects the diverse community it serves. The graduates of B.R.T.A. #63 represent a highly qualified group of recruits, each bringing unique skills and experiences to their new roles as correctional officers. These officers come from nine different towns throughout Massachusetts and include 6 individuals who are either active members or veterans of the U.S. Army.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Academy offers a paid, full-time program lasting 13 weeks, designed to equip recruits with the skills needed to manage and maintain the care, custody, and control of inmates at the Worcester County Jail & House of Correction. The academy includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. 

While at the academy, recruits undergo extensive training in various aspects of corrections. This training includes skills such as de-escalation techniques, the duty to intervene, fire safety, defensive tactics, and first responder protocols. They also receive education in suicide prevention, mental health issues, and substance abuse awareness.

In addition, recruits engage in daily physical fitness sessions, take weekly assessments on classroom material, and benefit from regular guest lectures and demonstrations provided by a range of public safety partners.

“After 13 rigorous weeks of training, I present the best and brightest in corrections today,” commented Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. “The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Training Department is one of the best in the state, and I can confidently say that these individuals are ready to join the ranks as full-time corrections officers and contribute to successfully executing our mission. Congratulations to these graduates as they begin their new careers.”

Before starting the academy, applicants must complete a written exam, a physical fitness test, a background check, and a psychological screening. To ensure fairness and impartiality, Evangelidis has implemented a policy that prohibits letters of recommendation from politicians and gives preference to hiring individuals who have served our country. 

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its 64th Basic Recruit Training Academy, which will begin in September 2025. To learn more about what it takes to be a correctional officer, please visit www.WorcesterCountySheriff.com/Careers/Correctional-Officer-Academy/.