DuPage jail janitorial training program tops 100 graduates

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office and JUST of DuPage recently graduated the 104th person from their janitorial work program.

Throughout the six-week course, detainees are taught the proper use of equipment and chemicals, and clean sections of the jail.

"I speak for all of us when I say we are grateful for the chance and opportunity to participate, learn and grow in this program," detainee Daniel Awe said in a news release from Sheriff James Mendrick.

The detainees earned certificates from the Cleaning Management Institute. JUST and workNet DuPage will help them find jobs upon their release.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, program participants specialized in contagion control, targeting high-risk areas in the jail, Mendrick said.