Claps and cheers filled the Staff Training Academy’s gymnasium as 25 Nebraska Department of Correctional Services professionals walked up to receive their certificates for completion of an intensive six week program.

Staff Training Academy class 1718 graduated from pre-service training on February 7th, 2019.

A diverse variety of professionals such as Registered Nurses, Corporals, Food Service Specialists’, and Caseworkers came together over the past six weeks to begin their careers with NDCS.

During those six weeks, they gained valuable skills and knowledge surrounding corrections and how to be the most successful in their careers.

Some of those training topics included First Aid Certification, Conflict Resolution, and Self-Defense.

More than 100 friends, family, and colleagues gathered around to witness class 1718 being honored for their hard work.

One by one, the students were called up by their Staff Training Academy instructors and facility leadership to receive their badges and certificates, signifying the start of their careers within corrections.

One student was feeling particularly honored to receive his badge.

Corporal Jonathan Terrazas sat in the gymnasium with his fellow classmates, eagerly awaiting his name to be called by his Academy instructors.

“Words can’t explain how it feels,” said Corporal Terrazas with a smile on his face.

It was a particularly special day for Corporal Terrazas because he would be presented his badge by someone very dear to him; his older brother Captain Jose Terrazas.

Corporal Terrazas remembers growing up and seeing his older brother, Jose, come home with his uniform and badge.

“Not a lot of people have their own brother be here to give them their badge. It is really special,” Corporal Terrazas recollects.

He says seeing his older brother excelling at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services inspired him to want to follow in his footsteps.

As Corporal Terrazas walked up to receive his badge from his older brother, the two exchanged a hug and smiled at their friends and family.

Corporal Terrazas said he was very honored to have his brother there supporting him at the start of his career.

Staff Training Academy instructor, Susan Phinney, praised Captain Terrazas in an emotional speech during the ceremony.

“I was Captain Terrazas’s instructor years ago and I remember telling him that he was going to do great things in the department,” said Phinney. “I told him I had high expectations and that I saw tons of potential in him… and I was right.”

More than 20 family and friends of the Terrazas brothers listened intently as she continued.

“Captain Terrazas took the time to master his entry level position as an Officer and continues to excel in his career today, Phinney said. “I see these same characteristics in his brother, Jonathan.”

Having been with NDCS since 2010, Captain Jose Terrazas reminisces over his time with the department.

He remembers Phinney being at a career day when he was in high school which inspired him to apply for an Officer position.

He said he was so impressed with everything that the department had to offer that he decided to make a career out of it.

“I’m still here and it’s been nine years.” Captain Terrazas said with a grin on his face.  “It is incredible that I was able to impact my brother and influence his life. That makes my experience so much more worth it. There are many different areas within the department and so much that he can learn. From line staff to administration, there’s room to move around. I hope he (Corporal Jonathan Terrazas) gains a ton of experience.”

Corporal Terrazas felt prepared by the Staff Training Academy and supported by family and colleagues for the start of his career in corrections.

He and Captain Terrazas enjoyed refreshments after the ceremony among colleagues, friends, and family.