Escambia County Corrections is proud to announce 12 new Corrections Officers will be joining the department after successfully graduating from George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center as Corrections Academy #128.
The officer trainees graduated from the Corrections Academy at the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center, marking the completion of a rigorous 420-hour training program designed to prepare them for careers in Corrections.
Escambia County Corrections proudly recognizes the new graduates:
- Thomas Accardi
- Fernando Almanzar
- Jessica Bizzell
- Marc Blanton
- Marc Clarke
- Jeshua Collado
- Rachel Kanter
- Robert Kersey
- Deandra McClain
- Stephan Schultz
- Daniel Tipton
- Tyra Yelverton
"In a country of over 260 million adults, less than 1 in 600 wears the uniform of a corrections officer," Escambia County Corrections Captain Shawn Hankins said. "These silent professionals stand watch behind the walls – protecting those who can’t protect themselves, maintaining order where few dare to go, and upholding justice from the inside out. We encourage you to support these everyday heroes and honor their unseen sacrifice."
Over the course of three months, the trainees participated in an intensive curriculum that combined physical training, academic studies, and hands-on certifications. The program, recognized for its demanding nature, equipped the students with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle the complexities of working in Corrections.
The training curriculum covered essential topics including defensive tactics, physical fitness, and specialized certifications such as CPR, first aid, and firearms. Students also participated in academic courses that explored the legal, ethical and procedural aspects of corrections work.
To further encourage qualified individuals to pursue careers in Corrections, Escambia County Corrections is offering sign-on bonuses for certified corrections officers and officer trainees. Certified Corrections Officers are eligible for an $8,000 sign-on bonus, and officer trainees who want to join the George Stone Corrections Academy and become certified are eligible for a $5,000 sign-on bonus, plus a paid scholarship to attend the Corrections Academy.
To learn more and apply, visit MyEscambia.com/careers.

Twelve new Officer Trainees joined Escambia County Corrections following successful completion of the Corrections Academy at the George Stone Criminal Justice Training Center.