"The two best months of (my) life."

"Thanks for a memorable experience."

Those were the words written by a few of the recruits describing 10 weeks of training as part of the 32nd Frederick County Corrections Academy.

Thirteen recruits gradated Wednesday afternoon during a ceremony at the Law Enforcement Center. The new recruits will be assigned to Frederick or Carroll County detention centers.

"We welcome you as being a part of the criminal justice family," said Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, whose agency oversees the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. "These deputies are to be commended for the field they have chosen."

Graduates assigned to the Frederick detention center are Michael Bird, 23, of Frederick ; Howard Burrier, 45, of Thurmont ; Douglas Crawford, 24, of Walkersville ; Timothy Cole, 19, of Keedysville; Arielle Patton, 25, of Hagerstown; Adrienne Sheiss, 35, of Frederick ; William Murdorf, 39, of Fairfield, Pa.; and Glenn Hawkins, 36, of Martinsburg, W.Va.

Those assigned to the Carroll detention center are Eric Meck, 39, of Westminster; Brian Moore, 26, of Taneytown; Robert Eyler, 21, of Woodsboro ; Kevin Schue, 19, of Littlestown, Pa.; and Steven Myerly, 56, of Detour.

While corrections officers may not get the same attention as deputies, their sacrifices and duties should not be ignored, Jenkins said.

"Your job is just as important," he said. "We appreciate what you do."

Three awards were presented to three graduates. The academic excellence award went to Hawkins while the physical training award was given to Myerly. The staff award, which is presented to the overall best performance academically and physically, went to Moore.

Hawkins, who was asked to speak on behalf of the class, told the crowded room of family members holding cameras that each officer appreciates the sacrifices they will be making because of the profession they have chosen.

"It shows how special you are," Hawkins said. "What we do would not be possible without you."

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.