CENTERVILLE, LA (KLFY) –Seven inmates at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement center recently graduated with their welding certification. Sheriff Gary Driskell said this was the first ever graduation class and is a milestone for inmate rehabilitation in the parish.

“To me, you can’t be more prouder than a good, hard, honest day’s work to be able to take care of your family. And you can see it in those guys faces that they were grateful knowing that they can do that.” Driskell said regarding the program graduates.

The sheriff’s office teamed up with South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) in a joint effort find ways to aid in the rehabilitation of inmates. Sheriff Driskell said the program started with eight inmates with seven of them making it through the three-month long classes to be certified welders. The graduates now have the ability to be a part of the work force and be given an income while also being able to keep the jobs once released.

“We want to rehab and that’s what we need to do as law enforcement as well. You know, if you’re in charge of a facility like we are.” Driskell said.

The sheriff’s office will continue to work with SLCC for other programs to take advantage of the progress they have made in helping the inmates become vital members of the community and steer away from a life of crime.

“They’re good people,” said Driskell. “They make mistakes. We all do. We want to give them that second chance. I can’t speak highly enough of the instructors, the administration at SLCC, and also the companies, the local companies as giving these young men these jobs.”

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