New Officers Sworn In
On April 15, 2025, six new corrections officers and UMWA members were sworn in at the Cambria County Prison in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Family members and other community supporters were present to witness the oaths that were taken and the speeches that were given in honor of the new cadets.
The prison’s new warden, Kurt Wolford, instituted the public ceremony in April. In previous years, the ceremony was private. “The warden talked about the importance of the jobs our corrections officers do and the pride it takes to be a corrections officer,” said International District 2 Vice President Chuck Knisell.
“It is a good thing for the new officers being able to have their family and friends attend their ceremony. I congratulate each of the six new cadets and welcome them to Local Union 616 of the United Mine Workers of America,” Knisell said.
The new class consisted of Krista Pell, Brad Black, Misty Rito, Nathaniel Lane, Tyler Whitaker and Kolbe Brothers. Rito said she was nervous because she isn’t comfortable being in front of a crowd. “It was an honor,” said Rito. “I absolutely loved it. It was amazing just to be recognized, even though I was nervous.”
“Corrections Officers play a significant role in our daily lives,” said President Roberts. “They place themselves in harm’s way when necessary to protect each one of us. Maintaining order and security in prisons to safeguard the public is extremely taxing and dangerous work. The sacrifice they make on our behalf every single day is commendable. I am proud to welcome our new corrections officers to the UMWA and of the dedicated service they provide for each of us.”
Warden Wolford plans to continue holding swearing-in ceremonies when new corps of cadets are ready to graduate from the prison’s training class and begin their new jobs.
“THE UMWA REPRESENTS SEVERAL HUNDRED CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS IN PENNSYLVANIA. SOME OF THE PRISONS HOUSE 400 OR MORE INMATES, SOME HANDLE LESS THAN 75, BUT IN EVERY ONE OF THEM ARE DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL WOMEN AND MEN SERVING TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE.”
-CECIL E. ROBERTS
