BSCO inmates receive HVAC certifications prior to their release

The first cohort of Bradley County Jail inmates received their HVAC EPA 608 certifications on Tuesday. From left are Jordan Brown, Brandon Revelle and Terry Holmes.

BSCO inmates receive HVAC certifications prior to their release

Cleveland Daily Banner Staff
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 12:00 AM
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This story was orginally published by the Cleveand Daily Banner on June 07, 2022. 

 City Fields, the Bradley County Justice Center and Cleveland State Community College have been able to provide these inmates with technical training prior to their release.

The inaugural cohort of Bradley County Jail inmates, including Jordan Brown, Brandon Revelle and Terry Holmes, received their HVAC EPA 608 certifications on Tuesday. 
 
In a joint effort, City Fields, the Bradley County Justice Center and Cleveland State Community College have been able to provide these inmates with technical training before their release. City Fields and the American Job Center provided scholarships for the students. 
 
Angela Hooper from Southeast Adult Education, Beth Withrow from the American Job Center and Brian Stewart with City Fields were among those in attendance at the ceremony. 
 
Heather Brown, CSCC director of workforce development, said this program has been discussed for years but was delayed in part due to COVID-19.  
 
“This is a big deal,” Brown said. “Hopefully, we'll continue to do this with many more classes.” 
 
The students completed the 80-hour heating, ventilation and air conditioning training with instructor Jason Taylor via lecture and hands-on lab time using Cleveland State equipment.  
 
Jean Casseus, of the Bradley County Justice Center, drove the three students to class every morning. During the ceremony, Casseus thanked the students for their courage and determination. 
 
Sheriff Steve Lawson also attended and urged the students to "make us proud. This is a big deal to everybody here. Because this has never happened before,” he said. 
 
Taylor, who presented the students with their certificates, said the EPA 608 certifications mean the students are universally certified to purchase any parts and equipment, and are nationally certified and recognized to perform any repairs on HVAC equipment.
 
“I am so extremely proud of these students and I foresee great possibilities for their futures,” Brown told the Banner. “I am very thankful for the students' desire to participate and for the partners' relentless efforts to see the program through to success. This is only the beginning.” 
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