St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell proudly announced that eight offenders successfully completed the Utility Class on Friday at the SLCC building in Baldwin. The St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center is honored to be the first facility in Louisiana to offer this training to DOC offenders.
The Utility Class is a specialized program that teaches participants how to locate underground lines and identify obstructions prior to digging or construction work—skills that are highly valued in construction and other industrial fields.
Graduates of the Utility Class include:
Ivory Williams
Brennan Tatum
Raymond Joseph
Joseph Bell
Randy Lee
Jacob Green
Salarious Jones
Kevin Clark
Mary Physician, Broadband Program Manager for Economic and Workforce Development, praised the group as “a great group of individuals,” adding that it was a pleasure to work with them.
Sheriff Driskell spoke directly to the graduates, reflecting on how his perspective evolved early in his career. He noted that many offenders are individuals who made a mistake and simply need an opportunity to change their direction.
“These opportunities for advancement and learning are the help many of them need to get a new start,” he said. He encouraged the men to succeed in their next chapter, adding, “We want to see you in restaurants and stores, but not back at the LEC. I am proud of what you have accomplished here.”
Major Charles Parker, Warden of the LEC, also expressed his pride, emphasizing that the program is personal to the leadership team.
“To the Sheriff and I, this is personal. We want to see you make it. You guys have earned my respect.”
A Step Toward a Better Future
The St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center continues to expand its rehabilitation and workforce training opportunities, helping offenders build meaningful skills that prepare them for successful re-entry into the community.
Congratulations to all eight graduates for their hard work, commitment, and determination to build a brighter future.
