Four inmates at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility graduated Monday, July 20, from the Basic Auto Body Collision and Prep for Painting program, the first class to finish the course.
The program is offered through the detention facility’s Homeward Bound Initiative in partnership with Flagler Technical College and Celico Auto Body. The graduates are Moises Ocasio, Robert Cone, Timothy Nash and Kyle Bonino.
How the program works
The auto body course is the fifth offered through the Homeward Bound Initiative. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said the initiative is designed to help inmates gain technical skills for entry-level jobs in fields with local demand once they are released.
The other courses are Vinyl Graphics Application, Food Service Management/Culinary, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) pre-apprenticeship, and Electrical pre-apprenticeship.
“Like our other programs offered through the Homeward Bound Initiative, participants meet twice a week and receive a combination of classroom and hands-on training. Upon successful completion of the program, inmates earn a certificate of completion from Flagler Technical College,” said Court and Detention Services Division Chief Dan Engert. “These inmates are the first to graduate from this program, but they won’t be the last.”
A vintage project vehicle
The course ran 12 weeks. During that time, the four students worked on restoring the Sheriff’s Office’s 1954 GMC Paddy Wagon, a vintage police transport vehicle.
The restoration included a refurbished interior, auto body repair, priming and new Sheriff’s Office decals.
What officials said
“These programs are a benefit to not only participating inmates but also our business community because they provide a skilled pipeline of workers in industries with strong local demand,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “By choosing to participate in these programs, these inmates are taking significant strides so they can become productive members of our community rather than repeat offenders caught in a revolving door at the Green Roof Inn. A special thank you to Celico Auto Body and Flagler Technical College for partnering with us to turn inmate lives around.”
“Green Roof Inn” is Staly’s longtime nickname for the county detention facility.
Celico Auto Body owner Carlo Celico also spoke about the partnership.
“There is no substitute for hands-on experience, and I am proud to open our doors to give these inmates a second chance by providing them with the tools they need and an opportunity to work alongside experienced technicians so that they may find success in the workplace,” Celico said.
Others who attended the recognition event included Flagler Technical College Director Renee Swaggerty, Court and Detention Services Division Chief Dan Engert, Deputy Jeffrey Meyer and Cmdr. Louis Miceli.
The job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the auto body field are projected to grow about 2% nationwide through 2034. The median salary for auto body technicians is currently just over $51,000 a year. Experienced technicians earn more than $87,000 a year.
About Flagler Technical College
Flagler Technical College is the adult division of the Flagler County School District. It is accredited through the Council on Occupational Education and focuses on career and technical education for high-demand trades in Flagler and nearby counties. More information is available at flaglertech.edu.
The news release was prepared by Tonya Woodworth, director of public information for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. She can be reached at PIO@flaglersheriff.com.
The post Four Inmates Graduate, and a 1954 Paddy Wagon Rides Again: Inside Flagler’s Newest Jail Trade Program first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
