Seven inmates graduate from first I.G.N.I.T.E. class at Summit County Jail

First graduating class honored The Summit County Sheriff's Office celebrated a milestone Thursday morning as the first class of the jail's new I.G.N.I.T.E. program completed its twelve week course. A packed room of onlookers watched the ceremony at the county jail in Akron. Seven inmates received certificates of completion. Lary Freudeman, Chad Hicks, Joivally Turner, D'Air Riley, Brandon Tate, Brian Stiles and Tristan White earned additional certifications and accolades throughout the course. Family members attended and cheered as their loved ones crossed the room to receive their certificates. "You should be very proud of yourselves. You made an intentional decision to use your time here at the jail in a constructive and beneficial way," Sheriff Fatheree told the graduates, who sat in the front row wearing caps and gowns. What is I.G.N.I.T.E.? I.G.N.I.T.E. stands for Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education. Genesee County, Michigan first developed the program in 2020. The National Sheriff's Association adopted it as a nationwide initiative the following year. The program offers education, job training and certifications aimed at helping people find work after release. It also rewards positive behavior and cooperation with law enforcement and corrections staff, while connecting participants with resources for life after incarceration. Organizers say the goals include building pride among participants, improving safety inside jails and lowering recidivism. Summit County launched I.G.N.I.T.E. at the county jail in January. Thursday's ceremony marked the first class to finish the full course, and the next session begins in mid September. Community leaders attend ceremony Several judges, prosecutors and nonprofit leaders joined the celebration. Common Pleas Judges Alison Breaux and Joy Malek Oldfield attended alongside jail staff, program coordinators and instructors. Other attendees included Summit County Juvenile Court Special Programs Administrator Lisa DiSabato Moore and Summit County Prosecutor's Office Deputy Chief Tania Nemer. City of Green Law Department Administrative Coordinator Dannielle Owens also attended. Leaders from local recovery and support organizations rounded out the guest list. CHC Addiction Services CEO Keith Hochadel, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center CEO Megan Vermillion, and ARC Recovery Services CEO Reverend Reba McCray were among them. VitalCore Health Vice President of Operations Marla Jacobs, South Street Ministries Executive Director Joe Tucker, NAMI Summit County Executive Director Jamie Messenger and Minority Behavioral Health Group Street Team Coordinator Marcel McDaniel also joined the ceremony. Coursework covered life skills and recovery Graduates completed a wide range of classes over the twelve weeks. Coursework included job search preparation, workplace etiquette, and kitchen and restaurant service training. Participants also studied substance abuse education and recovery alongside Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programming. Bible study, coping strategies for everyday stress, American Sign Language and preparation for life after incarceration rounded out the curriculum. Inmates also completed educational courses offered through tablets provided at the jail. Behavioral Health Clinical Coordinator Pam Phillips addressed the graduates after they received their certificates. "I want you all to remember that you are not defined by your worst decision; you are defined by your next decision," she said. Sheriff says program aims to reduce recidivism Sheriff Fatheree tied the program to broader goals for public safety and cost savings. "If we want to reduce crime, reduce recidivism and the price we all pay for it, and make our communities safer, then we must do more than simply incarcerate people," he said. He added that the jail hopes to prepare inmates for what comes after release. "We can't force anyone to correct their path in life, but we can give them the tools, opportunities, and support to help them make that change," Fatheree said.