Deputy Jacob Mack of the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office recently completed the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Corrections Officers Academy (COA) Class 493—a rigorous and transformative training program designed to prepare officers for the realities of working in corrections. The experience was demanding and rewarding for Mack, pushing him to new levels of physical and professional growth.
“It was good, it was challenging,” Mack reflected on his time at the academy. With a four-hour commute from Skagit County to the Southwest Regional Campus in Vancouver, WA, he knew that success would require dedication and resilience.
The COA program, a 200-hour training course, provides recruits with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to excel in corrections. Covering topics such as defensive tactics, crisis intervention, legal procedures, and ethical decision-making, COA ensures that graduates are well-prepared for their critical roles in public safety.
“I knew I had to expect the unexpected,” Mack said. “It’s been great. I feel so much more prepared to do my job, and ultimately, that’s the goal.”
Determined to make the most of his time at the academy, Mack fully embraced its demanding structure. He committed to the early morning workouts and late-night PT sessions, setting a personal goal of losing 30 pounds—a challenge he proudly met.
“If we are going to be here, we are going to do everything we can and absorb as much information as we can. That’s what we did. When there were morning workouts, we’d be there. When there were late-night PTs, we’d be there. They were long days, but the TAC officers gave us such structure and pushed us to be our best.”
Beyond the physical demands, Mack emphasized how COA prepared him for the unpredictability of corrections work.
“There are scenes where you walk in, and you have no idea what you are walking into. That’s what you do every day—you don’t know what’s going to happen. I feel so much more prepared and better equipped to be the deputy I need to be.”
From the long commutes to the intense training, Mack’s journey through COA Class 493 is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. His transformation—both in mindset and physical endurance—reflects the profound impact of the academy and his unwavering commitment to serving his community.
Before & After:
Check out Mack’s incredible transformation below!
