HEALDTON, Okla. -- The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is a family -- brothers and sisters in blue.
It takes discipline, commitment and sacrifice to become a correctional officer. Nobody knows that better than Shaheene Yassi. According to the cadet, “I have a husband who is disabled. I’ve had to struggle and juggle getting permission to have him here with me. Because basically I am his sole care giver. I handle his medication, insulin, doctor visits and so forth.”
DOC Trainers approved Yassi and her husband to stay in a nearby hotel while she completed the 6 week cadet academy. She never missed a day nor made an excuse. Shaheene even used her own savings on a room, meals and other expenses. “Worth every penny and I would do it again,” Yassi said.
Yassi has a Master’s Degree in forensic psychology. But it was her passion for people that brought here to the academy.
Her loyalty and resolve are the qualities that make an exceptional CO. Hard work paid off for this cadet and nearly 60 others.
Illness kept Shaheene’s husband from attending this week’s graduation. But he was able to Facetime his congratulations. Yassi said, “He’s been a huge influence in my life and supporter, of course. Honestly, I don’t think I would be here without him.”
Her DOC family was an enthusiastic and true blue substitute.
At the Oklahoma Department of Corrections -- you can always rely on family.
