Fifteen Louisiana Department of Corrections inmates participated in a forklift operator certification class at the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail.

The curriculum included classroom and hands-on instruction. The class was instructed by SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles and was coordinated over several months by Chief Deputy Calvin Turner.

Upon release, the 15 inmates will possess a certification to operate a forklift as they enter the workforce. Classes such as this provide a positive impact and a step in the right direction for inmates rejoining society.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked American Moving and Storage for the loan of the forklift that made the training possible.

Photo credit: Warden Brad Conn

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