Long Branch resident Vanessa C. Howard has successfully made it through an intensive course at the Monmouth County Police Academy, and is now headed for a job at the county jail in Freehold.
Her job will be to safeguard lives and property, and keep the peace in the prison. During training, she learned how to handle firearms, handcuffs, batons, and physical restraints. She mastered self-defense skills.
"It takes courage, commitment and compassion to have a career in law enforcement," said Sheriff Shaun Golden at their graduation.
Howard was among 9 others who successfully completed the 14-week course to prepare for their jobs at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold, which houses 1,328 inmates.
The starting salary of a Monmouth County Corrections Officer is $34,006, according to Undersheriff Ted Freeman of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office.
The other graduates went on to careers with Union and Essex County law enforcement.
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