ACJ Holds Cadet Graduation
Published on June 01, 2026
The ACJ Correctional Officer corps grew May 29 as members of 15 cadets completed their training and were recognized during a graduation ceremony in the jail's Contact Visits Room.
During the ceremony, class representative Alexis Thomas thanked Sgt. Randy Justice for his hard work and support in leading the cadets through training.
Thomas called Justice a “true asset” and described Justice as “top notch” as he and other staff members helped prepare the cadets for what ACJ Warden Trevor Wingard described as a difficult, challenging and rewarding career.
“If it was easy, everyone would do it,” Wingard said.
Wingard congratulated the class on becoming officers and told them of the daunting yet rewarding task they will face in the coming days, months and years.
"Remember," said the Warden, "most of those who are incarcerated here will return to our community, so treat everybody like you would want to be treated, or like you would want a member of your family to be treated."
As the new class of Officers prepared to begin their new professional journey, Justice told them to remember the training that they have completed and to fall back on that when a difficult situation arrives.
“You all share a common bond,” Justice said. “Remember to support and to protect each other.”
The rookies were also reminded there are veterans on staff who will be willing to provide support and advice.
As Justice congratulated the newest class, he reminded them of the opportunities as well as the challenges that lie ahead.
“Remember,” said Justice, “this is a career, not just a job.”
A job, he said, is something you do to make enough money to pay the bills.
“A career is something you invest your lives in.”
Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4760 (cell).