Eight PCSO officers earn national certification

A group of eight Pinal County Sheriff’s Office detention officers have joined an elite group: that of American Jail Association-Certified Jail Officers.

With this addition, there are now 119 jail professionals nationwide who have achieved this Certified Jail Officer designation through the Jail Manager Certification Commission.

The AJA Certification consists of successful completion of a background application and an intensive four-hour examination prepared by the JMCC and AJA. Certification in jail operations is a demonstration of competency and professionalism in the field. The jail officer’s certification documents the mastery of a strong level of knowledge in the specialty, and demonstrates continuing education and growth.

“I am very pleased and proud of our eight officers who completed this rigorous certification process,” said PCSO Adult Detention Center Chief Deputy Terry Altman. “I expect more of our officers to join this exclusive certified group in the future.”

The eight PCSO officers to receive certification are: Officer Richard Celis, Officer Jose Gaxiola, Sgt. Matthew Hull, Officer J. Ivers, Officer M. Jackson, Officer K. Torrez, FTO Officer E. VanArsdale and
Sgt. C. VanGorden.

“This extra certification shows the dedication and hard work of our
detention officers,” said Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez.

Pictured: Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez, top right, and PCSO Adult
Detention Center Chief Deputy Terry Altman, top left, stand with the
eight PCSO detention officers who earned Certified Jail Officer
certification. Top row, from left: Detention Sergeant M. Hull; Detention
Officer R. Celis; Detention Officer J. Gaxiola; and Detention Officer M.
Jackson. Bottom row from left: Detention Officer E. VanArsdale;
Detention Officer K. Torrez; Detention Officer J. Ivers; and Detention
Sergeant C. VanGorden

Submitted Photo