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Ceremony Yields 10 New Corrections Officers — And One Engagement

Amber Ernst-Leonard
/
Florida Keys Community College
Newly minted Florida corrections officer Juan Valdes, Jr., proposes to girlfriend Jacqueline Collins at his graduation ceremony at Florida Keys Community College.

The graduation ceremony for Florida Keys Community College's Corrections Basic Recruit Academy this week led to more celebration than expected.

Graduate Juan Valdes, Jr., proposed to his girlfriend, Jacqueline Collins. (She said 'Yes.')

In all 10 students completed the 420-hour training program to become Florida corrections officers. All 10 have jobs lined up at one of the three jails in the Keys.

Top-performing students won special awards. The newly-engaged Valdes received the coveted "PIG" award — for demonstrating pride, integrity and guts.

FKCC is accepting applicationsfor a Basic Law Enforcement academy that begins in August at its Upper Keys Center, as well as one that begins in January in Key West. No guarantees that successful completion will lead to a successful marriage proposal.

Nancy Klingener was WLRN's Florida Keys reporter until July 2022.
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