HOLYOKE — Aspiring corrections officers now undergoing training with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department will undertake a day of community service in Holyoke on Wednesday, May 25, from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thirty-four correctional officer cadets in training will spend the day removing litter and trash from alleys, vacant lots and other sites in Holyoke.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi authorized the community service project, as each Western Massachusetts Correctional Officer Academy class must complete such a project in order to officially join the department.
“These projects teach our cadets the value of service above self and how we work with a variety of groups in the community to achieve our mission, whether behind the walls of one of our facilities or in the streets,” said Sheriff Cocchi. “We’re looking forward to helping our friends in Holyoke beautify the city.”
The trainees will be working under the supervision of Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Joseph Celetti, the director of the Correctional Officer Academy. Clean-up locations have been identified by City Councilors and citizens and mapped by assistants to Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia. They include alleys off Essex, Cabot, Hampden, Suffolk and Sargeant Streets as well as certain side streets and vacant lots.
Cooperating on the project are the Holyoke Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation Department, OneHolyoke, Tapestry, and Suez.
Individuals with suggestions for clean-up sites can notify Stephen Fay, Mayoral Aide, at 413-561-1600.