The New York City Department of Correction, celebrating its 130th anniversary, held a ceremony for the graduation and promotion of new corrections officers on March 21 at Queens College. Among the new recruits, Brian Wang, a 24-year-old Chinese American hailing from Fuzhou, stood out by achieving the “highest proficiency” in shooting skills, receiving recognition and a medal from the Commissioner.
Wang was one of the three new corrections officers out of a total of 103 who were commended for their achievements. The newly appointed Deputy Mayor of Public Safety in New York City, Kaz Daughtry, attended the ceremony and encouraged the new corrections officers by acknowledging the challenges they face in patrolling the toughest prison environments in New York. He emphasized the importance of resilience and upholding their duties as the “oldest guardians of New York.”
Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie described corrections officers as the “bravest individuals” who require strong will, exceptional abilities, and problem-solving skills. She emphasized that this job is not for the faint-hearted but requires courage to face challenges that others may shy away from.
As the only Chinese American in the cohort, Wang excelled during the 13-week training program, achieving the highest proficiency in shooting skills. Born in Kentucky to parents from Fuzhou, he graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in biology and previously taught in high school. Wang candidly stated his motivation for choosing a career as a corrections officer, citing the desire for better financial stability to support his family.
Despite his gentle and shy demeanor, Wang exudes confidence and determination in his speech. He expressed confidence in handling the risks associated with dealing with criminals and highlighted the importance of treating others well to potentially influence them positively. Facing the complexities of working with criminals at a young age, Wang’s words reflect uncommon resilience and mental strength.
Wang shared insights gained from his challenging training experience, emphasizing the need to believe in oneself, accept constructive criticism, and approach tasks with patience and diligence rather than haste. Reflecting on the training that offered both fun and difficulties, he expressed pride in earning the title of “best shooter” and his decision to pursue a career as a corrections officer.
In conclusion, Wang’s journey exemplifies a young individual’s readiness to overcome challenges, grow in adversity, and embrace the responsibilities of a demanding profession with a sense of pride and determination.