On May 5, 1984, Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, delivered a proclamation designating the first week in May as National Correctional Officers Week. The importance of all staff members who serve cannot be overstated, because each has an important role, whether civilian or security staff. Those who serve in the field can easily identify with the depth and spirit found in the context of the over 40-year-old proclamation. The President˛and possibly the Nation˛began to recognize that we are no longer “guards,‚ but trained professionals. On the following pages, we share some of the ways in which National Correctional Officers and Employees Week was observed in 2023.
Baldwin County Sheriff's Corrections Center
Bay Minette, Alabama
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Corrections Center in Bay Minette, Alabama celebrated Correctional Officers Week with daily prize drawings and lots of food. Meals were provided daily through the generosity of our vendors and the BCSO Foundation. Prizes were donated by vendors and staff, including grand prizes such as $100 gift cards, a Ninja Blender system, G-Shock watches, and Beats headphones.
Baldwin County Sheriff's Corrections Center
Bay Minette, Alabama
Apache County detention officers were fed lunch on day shift and dinner on nights during the first part of the week. On the second half, day shift received breakfast and night shift was fed dinner. All shifts were provided multiple cakes on Wednesday in honor of Correctional Officers Week.
Hampton Roads Regional Jail (HRRJ)
Portsmouth, Virginia
Hampton Roads Regional Jail (HRRJ) hosted a week-long celebration during National Correctional Officers Week (NCOW), touted at HRRJ as Correctional Staff Week, and showed appreciation to all professionals who ensure the agency’s mission.
Starting Monday, HRRJ celebrated the Medical team and Nurses who provide much needed services to inmates. The staff prepared waffles, served with a variety of toppings. On Tuesday and Wednesday, HRRJ showed appreciation for the numerous contributions of Correctional Officers who are tasked with overseeing inmate care and ensuring public safety. They enjoyed an onsite Cook Out, Ice Cream and Popcorn. Lt. Colonel Jeff Anderson, contractors and others were Grill Masters for the event. The numerous contributions of the Administrative Staff were recognized on Thursday with a day-long celebration, including cake and popcorn.
At the conclusion of NCOW on Friday, cupcakes, ice cream and popcorn were available for the entire staff. Superintendent Jeff Vergakis applauded the team for continuing its hard work and dedication, while being short-staffed. “In a season when staff numbers have decreased, our team continues to fulfill the mission of the organization, ensure proper care of the inmates, and focus on public safety.‚
Garland County
Hot Springs, Arizona
Hernando County Sheriff's Office Detention Center
Brooksville, Florida
Well, that time of the year has come upon us. Unbeknownst to many, May 7 through May 13 is National Correctional Officers Week. The celebration was in full swing at the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Our corrections officers were honored for the outstanding job performances and their sacrifices that they make daily to ensure the citizens of Hernando County, staff, and inmates remain safe at all times. We also celebrated National Nurses Week which is from May 6 through the 12. In accordance, we maintain a high level of standards and professionalism to meet all the demands of our facility while maintaining a safe environment. Our nurses have a pivotal role at the detention center.
Honoring our corrections officers is a great opportunity put forth by our community, local businesses, and our agency to recognize our role in the community. In partnership, the detention staff appreciates all the recognition they receive all week long. Also, our administration makes a huge effort to ensure all members of the detention center are honored for their dedication by serving the lunches throughout the week, visiting each area of the detention center and spending time with all their staff encouraging positive interaction as we are one big family.
We would like to sincerely express our appreciation and gratitude to the following businesses: Smart Communications, Keefe, Dunkin Donuts, Jersey Gurlz, Homan Group by eXp Realty, Publix Supermarkets, and House of Sugar. A special recognition goes to the Bar-B-Que team of Sergeant Gary Wisgarda and Corporal Patrick Baker who dedicated their time away from their family to smoke pork ribs and pork shoulder butts through the night to provide a delicious barbeque lunch for the staff. Special recognition goes to Lt. Teresa Stevens, who took the time to make five large tumblers for our giveaways. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Employee Benefit fund held a daily raffle drawing awarding staff members with a $25 gift. THANK YOU!
Ingham County Sheriff's Office
Mason, Michigan
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office in Mason, Michigan takes National Correctional Officers Appreciation week to the next level! Planning for the annual event begins months in advance. The Corrections Command Team reaches out to local businesses for sponsorship of our event and the turn-out continues to grow every year. The corrections staff at ICSO enjoy a sponsored meal for each day (and both shifts). Local restaurants like Jersey Giants or Gravity Smokehouse provide meals with all the fixings for Corrections Staff during their work shift. Shift briefings are moved to the Transport Unit garage for the week so there is easy access to grilled or delivered food.
Along with supplying a specific meal, there is also of plenty snacks and drinks for staff. Slushy machines, popcorn and hotdog roller machines are a staple for the entire week.
In addition to being fully fed with food and beverages, each staff member is randomly selected for a gift bag filled with gift cards and prizes from local Ingham County businesses. Corrections Command staff build, separate and organize each gift bag to be about the same value. Names of staff and which gift bag are drawn daily at the dayshift briefing. Every corrections staff ends up getting a gift bag. At the end of the week, all the corrections staff’s names are put back into the raffle for a grand prize. Years past have seen BBQ grills and smokers. For the 2023 National Correctional Officers Appreciation week, two lucky corrections staff received one of two custom-made cornhole boards.
At the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, we appreciate and acknowledge our hard-working corrections Staff. Taking one week to go over-the-top is just something we do for our great staff!
McLean County Detention Facility
Bloomington, Illinois
The McLean County Detention Facility celebrated the 2023 National Correctional Officers Week with local businesses donating food for each shift each day, as well as giveaways for a raffle drawing each day. Dayshift supervisors provided a cookout for all staff to attend. This was all coordinated by one officer on dayshift!
Jackson County Sheriff's Office Detention Center
Kansas City, Missouri
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center in Kansas City, Missouri takes National Correctional Officers Week very seriously. It is the perfect opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication that our employees bring every single day of the year. A meal of baked chicken, beef brisket, baked potato bar, corn, green beans, dinner rolls, and fresh baked cookies were served to staff by management in a decorated dining area. Balloons, table covers, and centerpieces for the table provided a fun yet formal atmosphere. A VIP decorated area in our visitation lounge was set up along with photo props to be used throughout the week to take selfies with team members. Staff had a 360 degree photo booth for a few hours on two occasions along with music to encourage a few minutes of dance and team camaraderie. A dunk tank to “dunk your manager‚ appeared on the outside of the building along with pizza and music. Several management staff members took a seat in the tank and welcomed their Teams to take a ball and hit the target.
A ceremony was attended by recipients for the “Rising Star‚ awards. Management and staff offered nominations for several categories within the facility recognizing those members who go above and beyond. Marble based acrylic pillars with a star at the top were presented to each winner in the following categories: Supervisor of the Year (non-uniform), CCW Supervisor Ekechukwu Nwakolam; Excellent Service Award, Recreation Coordinator Osagie Omorogieva; Rising Start (non-uniform), Payroll Specialist Karen Crockett; Director’s MVP Award, Safety and Security Administrator Matthew Lewis; Detention Supervisor of the Year, Lieutenant Aliu Bashiru; Manager of the Year, Criminal Records Manager Pamela O’Riley; Director’s MVP Award, Technology Specialist Seth Helmuth; Unmatched Dedication, Criminal Records Supervisor William Ngenza; Rising Star, Sgt. Lemuel Smith; and Contractor of the Year, Darryl Dixon.
Perhaps the most awaited moment of the week was the presentation of our first Challenge Coin to all staff members. The coin, designed by Cpt. Christopher Wolfe, was further elevated and hit home to many as it contains a picture of our current jail on the back. Jackson County is building a new jail that we will be moving to in 2025fi2026 and to have this memento to keep was special to all. A special shout out was given to Deputy Director Deloris Wells. Although volunteers were there every step of the way, Ms. Wells has an unmatched commitment to Corrections Week and ensures that each one is memorable. I would guarantee all staff would agree the goal was met! Until next year”
John E. Polk Correctional Facility
Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Sanford, Florida
The past year has been challenging, and through the work, dedication, and perseverance of our staff, we have been able to navigate these difficult times. The John E. Polk Correctional Facility celebrated National Correctional Officers Week through various festivities, food, refreshments, and fun activities for everyone to enjoy. We took this opportunity to show our appreciation for the staff and to recognize all the exceptional work that has been done over the past year.
During the event, we offered various prizes for the winners of several games and raffles. On Monday and Wednesday, breakfast was served to each shift. Breakfast featured biscuits & sausage gravy, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, cinnamon apples, pancakes, bacon, and sausage. The chief and captains passed out treat bags to staff and fun games like Decades Trivia and a costume contest took place.
On Tuesday and Thursday, a BBQ lunch was served to each staff, including BBQ chicken, smoked sausage links, pulled pork, fresh collard greens, macaroni and cheese, corn bread, baked beans, with cake and cookies for dessert. Games played on these days included Finish the Tune and Pin the Record on the Player, in a Back to the 90’s themed event.
Friday saw raffles take place and the winners of various games.
Mesa County Sheriff's Office
Grand Junction, Colorado
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office spent Corrections Week celebrating staff each day. All staff were presented with a personalized tumbler that had a design that was created by one of our sergeants and voted as the winner by several line and supervisory staff. On Monday, a food truck was onsite to provide free breakfast for all detention staff on or off duty. On Tuesday, the Mesa County Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation for Corrections Week and the Grand Junction Police Department provided a meal for day and night shifts as thanks for all they do. Wednesday was a bar-b-que that had detention administration cooking a midday meal for those working during the day and cooking a late-night meal for those who work overnight. Thursday and Friday were gourmet cookie days for all detention staff.
All detention staff had the opportunity to share their story of working in corrections and those who participated were showcased throughout the week on the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office social media pages. This gave the community an opportunity to learn more about those who work in our facility and why they do the job they do. Throughout the week a memorial wreath was displayed in the Detention Lobby honoring Deputy Edward Innes, who died in the line of duty during a jail escape in 1906. On Friday, the wreath was laid on his grave by the most senior and the newest member of the Mesa County Detention Facility as we continue the tradition of honoring his sacrifice.
Orange County Corrections Department
Orlando, Florida
May 7−13 was National Correctional Officers and Employees Week and what a week it was at the Orange County Corrections Department in Orlando, Florida. The week honors the dedication and commitment of correctional officers and correctional employees representing many disciplines.
As a preface to the week, the Honorable Mayor Jerry L. Demings presented a proclamation officially proclaiming it National Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Orange County. The proclamation was shared at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on May 2.
The week was chock full of fun and entertaining activities, and each day had a theme which provided special dress-up opportunities: Tropical Day, Wild West Day, Tie Dye Day, Twin Day, and Character Day (Monday through Friday respectively). Aramark offered upscale menus at Staff Dining throughout the week.
There were Wellness Fairs, Fitness Classes and even a Dermatology Mobile Clinic. A highlight of the week was the Tri-County Bowling Challenge where OCCD took the top prize for the second consecutive year. The Tri-County Bowling Challenge pits top teams from Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Corrections against each other for a friendly competition. The week wound down on a sweet note with the Cupcake Wars competition.
The overarching theme for the week was “Hidden Heroes‚ because so much of the work we do occurs behind the walls and razor wire. Chief Louis A. Quièones said, “That may be the theme but my appreciation for all the work you do˛during National Correctional Officers and Employees Week and every day˛is never hidden. I take every opportunity to publicly acknowledge your contributions to the community and public safety.
Shelby County Jail
Columbiana, Alabama
Shelby County Jail in Columbiana, Alabama celebrated with employee lunches provided by Command Staff and Shift Supervisors, and we had a daily prize giveaway, i.e., gift cards, shift bid for 2024, an ADMIN Leave day with pay compliments of our Sheriff, 100.00 car wash gift card, etc. Our Division Commander, Capt. Russell Bedsole, came up with the prize giveaway and had a system that randomly chose a daily prize winner! The employees loved it, and the winners loved it even more.
Mesa Police Department
Mesa, Arizona
In partnership with the Mesa Police Association, Mesa Fraternal Order Police Lodge 9, Mesa Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and local businesses, Mesa Police Department honored and recognized detention personnel with special meals, prizes, and baked goods. To show appreciation, Chief Cost brought snacks and engaged with the detention personnel! Thank you to the detention personnel for their dedication, professionalism, and hard work they do all year long!
Travis County Sheriff's Office
Austin, Texas
Every year, the United States celebrates National Corrections Officer Week during the first full week of May. This week is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions made by the men and women who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe “behind the fence.‚
The year’s celebration started a week prior with an acknowledgement by the Travis County Commissioner Court. On May 2, 2023, the court issued a resolution acknowledging National Corrections Officer Week and the significant contributions of these unsung heroes. This acknowledgement alone was a great testament to the importance of their work.
But that was just the beginning of the celebration, aimed at acknowledging and rewarding the hard work of the corrections officers. On Tuesday, May 9th, the Commissioners Court voted to increase the base pay of starting corrections officers by $5,000. An increase, starting at $5000, was also included to every corrections position, officer through lieutenant, further acknowledging their contribution and dedication to duty.
During the week, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) provided random prize giveaways, which included gift cards, one month off from mandatory overtime, car washes performed by command staff, and several other rewards. The efforts were aimed at motivating and boosting the morale of the officers who have been working in extremely demanding conditions.
The prizes were supplemented by the Travis County Sheriff Officer Association (TCSOA), which partnered with TCSO. The organization played an essential role in ensuring that the week’s celebrations were meaningful and impactful.
On Tuesday, May 9th, the Sheriff’s office and TCSOA hosted a meal for all staff on duty. The team preparing the meals started cooking in the wee hours of the morning. Service began at 0545 am and did not conclude until all shifts were fed at midnight. That’s right. Volunteers worked over 24 hours, preparing, and serving meals for every employee on every shift.
National Corrections Officer Week is an important time to recognize the contributions made by corrections officers across the nation. TCSO celebrated with much enthusiasm. As a community, it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the hardworking men and women behind the fence who dedicate their careers to our safety.
