Inmates earn employment certification

Public Information Officer Debra Johnson reported to Historic City News that, thanks to a program offered in the Flagler County Inmate Facility, two soon-to-be released inmates will be certified to immediately start work in any food service job.

Jose Rivera, a food service manager with Trinity Services, the company that contracts to prepare inmate meals, provides supervised instruction to eligible inmates who work in the kitchen at the county jail.

“These two men will be coming out of the jail with a marketable skill,” Flagler County Sheriff Donald W Fleming told Historic City News this week. “Restaurant employers will not have to wait for them to get their certification – they can return to work right away.”

Inmate Trustees Oleh Dubrovskyy and Justin Hurt began the course for food handling that required them to complete seven chapters of instruction. After each chapter, a quiz was taken. At the completion of the curriculum, Rivera administered an examination — both of the inmates passed.

“We have given them an opportunity to improve their futures while serving their time,” Fleming told reporters. “Now, they are prepared to start work in any area restaurant.”

The “Safe Staff Food Handler” certification program is offered by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. The certifications will expire after three years and may be renewed.