Teamsters Local 237 saw its membership grow at a Sept. 9 graduation ceremony for new employees at the NYC Department of Juvenile Justice. The ceremony, held at New York University’s SCPS Conference Center in the Woolworth Building, marked the successful completion of training for 48 new employees, including 11 special officers. The new employees join nearly 100 DJJ counselors, special officers and houseparents who have been hired since April to support DJJ staff in day-to-day operations.

Local 237 Secretary-Treasurer and Citywide Director Gregory Floyd attended the ceremony and President Carl Haynes was recognized at the event by DJJ Commissioner Neil Hernandez.

DJJ’s special officers, all Teamsters Local 237 members, provide security in DJJ facilities, respond to incidents, and enhance overall safety so that agency childcare staff can work directly with juvenile residents. While the 11 newly hired special officers completed their agency training on Sept. 9, they received additional peace officer training from the city’s Department of Correction.

Citywide Director Floyd said: “Under the leadership of Carl Haynes, Teamster Local 237 strives to be responsive to the needs of its members. We commend the Department of Juvenile Justice for helping to meet those needs by adding Teamster members to its effective and respected staff.”

“Through a constructive relationship with the Teamsters and President Haynes,” Commissioner Hernandez said, “DJJ has enhanced its day-to-day operations and ensured that our agency will continue to deliver the best available care and custody to the juveniles who have been placed with us.”

The graduating special officers are: John Arbelo, Donna Baron, Kareem Denully, Brandy Gilbert, Shauna Herrera, Austin Lawrence, Neandrew McDougan, Juana Morales, Lee Pirvette, Sheneeca Redwine, and Brandon Rodgers.