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 2022.
Anne Arundel County Department Detention Facility
Annapolis, Maryland
Correctional facilities across the United States take this week to celebrate staff members for their exemplary dedication, compassion, heroism, and sacrifices made while working in the environment of a correctional facility. Anne Arundel County Department Detention Facilities (AACDDF) are no exception.
This year, AACDDF Correctional Employee Appreciation Week has been deemed the “best one yet.” Each day, from May 1 to May 7, had a theme. Themes included dressing in department colors, crazy socks, favorite sports jerseys, and matching outfits. And we didn’t stop there. Small gifts were provided to each staff member along with games, prizes, and special meals.
On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the AACDDF held an outside barbecue. Tents and large barbecue grills were placed outside the facilities, and a variety of delicious food was served. No matter the shift, each employee had the opportunity to attend, socialize, relax, and enjoy. On Thursday and Friday, our Aramark Kitchen Partners prepared special Italian meals along with an ice-cream bar, and two civilian staff members purchased cupcakes from a well-known bakery for the rest of the staff to enjoy. On Wednesday and Friday, our newly established Equity, Diversion and Inclusion Committee (EDI) traveled around to each shift and department in their matching T-shirts handing out breakfast pastries along with coffee and juices.
At AACDDF, we always take pride in our staff. We share a special bond that only those who work in corrections can truly understand. Behind the cement walls of our facilities is one large family working together to protect our community and change the lives of our population. We are always grateful not only to our AACDDF staff but to all those who work in the correctional field.
Apache County
St. Johns, Arizona
Apache County officers and support staff were fed baked ziti, garlic bread, and salads on Tuesday, May 3. A large cake honoring the staff was brought in on Wednesday. On Thursday, the staff was fed a trio of pasta dishes including alfredo, florentine, and ravioli served with garlic bread and salads. Meals were provided by a local restaurant owned by one of the sergeants and his wife.
—Sergeant Chris McCarthy
Brazos County Sheriff’s Office
Bryan, Texas
To celebrate correctional officers, correctional nurses, and police, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office treated staff to two fun-filled evenings in May. Grilled hamburgers and homemade cupcakes were provided, while employees enjoyed door prizes, games, and fellowship.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky and the BCSO Administration would like to thank employees for their hard work, resilience, and dedication, especially during these challenging times.
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
Atlanta, Georgia
Since 1984, the first full week of May has been designated as National Correctional Officer and Employee Appreciation Week. In celebration of this, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office enjoyed a series of events, all week long, to honor our dedicated employees.
We kicked off the week at the Enon Church, where Sheriff Patrick Labat, Colonel John Jackson, and FCSO employees gathered to worship together.
A representative from Effect Fitness Gym attended a roll call on Monday morning, speaking to employees about the importance of health and physical fitness. Additionally, each staff member in attendance received a free two-week gym membership, including the opportunity to work out with a trainer at Effect Fitness.
Later that day, we had a promotion ceremony. Congratulations to our newest Interim Sergeants and Lieutenant.
Food trucks at the Fulton County Jail provided delicious food both Wednesday and Thursday for the staff to enjoy, including valued employees at all facilities.
Saturday was the culmination of the exciting week of celebration with Sheriff Labat’s 2nd Annual Heart & Sole Walk on the Atlanta Beltline. Employees from across the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office gathered on Saturday morning to walk, jog, and run along the scenic route. The walk provided the opportunity for connection, reflection, and exercise on a beautiful morning in Atlanta.
—Shameka Escoffery
Detention Lieutenant | Instructor
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center
Brooksville, Florida
Honor and commitment are two traits that set the staff here at Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center apart. During the week of May 1 through May 6, the community reflected that honor and commitment during Correctional Officer Week by offering tremendous support.
Each year, Hernando County Detention Center leadership looks to find unique and genuine ways to show staff members that their work and sacrifices to ensure the safety and security of the facility, including inmates, fellow staff members, and the community, do not go unnoticed. In partnership with several local community businesses who pride themselves on supporting the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, we were treated to breakfast, lunch, dinner, gift cards, and messages of encouragement from the community.
We would like to express our appreciation to the following businesses: Smart Communications, Chick-Fil-A, Carter Foreman PLLC law firm, and Bagels and Beyond. Special recognition goes to the barbecue team of Corporals Patrick Baker and Gary Wisgarda who smoked ribs and pork butts through the night to provide a delicious barbeque lunch for the staff. Lieutenant Stevens made the dessert to accompany the lunch. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Employee Benefit fund held a daily drawing awarding twenty-eight staff members with a $25 gift card.
MEHERRIN RIVER REGIONAL JAIL
Alberta, Virginia
The Meherrin River Regional Jail celebrated National Correctional Officers Week with an entire week full of activities as a small token of our appreciation for the dedication and hard work exemplified by our officers. We celebrated with donuts, ice cream, cookouts, Spirit Week, a dunk tank, and many more activities. The dunk tank was a huge hit! Staff were thrilled to dunk Command Staff, Directors, and especially the Executive Secretary, since she worked so hard to secure the dunk tank. This will definitely become an annual addition to the MRRJ Cookout.
Staff celebrated Spirit Week with Crazy Hat Day, Crazy Socks Day, Favorite Sports Hat Day, High Five Day, and Random Acts of Kindness Day. The kitchen staff cooked officers’ favorite meals throughout the week such as fried chicken, a taco bar, and barbecue. Staff participated in the photo booth by taking silly selfies and whole shifts even met up to take group pictures after their shifts. They also posted notes stating what they were thankful for on the Wall of Gratitude.
Many vendors within our communities donated prizes for raffles that were held each day; $975 worth of door prizes were raffled off throughout the week! The support given to the Meherrin River Regional Jail by the surrounding communities is always strong and greatly appreciated.
National Correctional Officers Week is an important week to take time to recognize and show appreciation for the difficult job that correctional officers do. Here at the Meherrin River Regional Jail, we’re thankful for our staff; the sacrifices each staff member makes; and their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our facility, the offenders, and the surrounding communities.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center
Kansas City, Missouri
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center celebrated Correctional Officer and Employee Appreciation Week with custom T-shirts, catered meals served by the administration, and snack and soda carts manned by supervisory personnel. Our week was really full as efforts were made to hold celebrations across all shifts. The lobby was transformed, incorporating a photo booth area so staff members could take their own souvenir photos of the events. In addition, new traditions were started with sections naming their own Rising Stars. Lieutenant Kiva Hill was named Supervisor of the Year. The executive staff chose Corrections Casework Administrator Dr. Ozondu Ugbaja as Manager of the Year. Our week was capped off with the graduation of thirteen associates in our 134th Correctional Officer Academy.
Broomfield Detention Center
Broomfield, CO
The Broomfield Detention Center celebrated National Correctional Officers Week by recognizing our incredible staff as well as some of our Community Partners.
Orange County Corrections Department
Orlando, Florida
Oh, What a Week for Correctional Officers and Employees!
May 1 through May 7 was National Correctional Officer and Employee Appreciation Week, and what a week it was for the Orange County Corrections Department (OCCD) in Orlando, Florida. To kick things off, OCCD was recognized at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 26, 2022. Throughout the first week of May, the department participated in Spirit Week. The first day was Camo Day where staff could wear camouflage gear. The next day staff members dressed as their favorite superhero. Then there was Wild, Wild West Wednesday when people donned Western wear. On Throwback Thursday, staff members wore their favorite styles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The week wrapped up with employees dressing in the department’s colors for Green, Gold, and Black Day.
The department also held an internal bowling tournament, and the top team competed in a Tri-County Bowl-Off with correctional agencies in neighboring counties. We’re happy to report that the Orange County Jail prevailed in the Bowl-Off and took the top spot! There was also a talent show. And, the department hosted a Get Fit Affair for appreciation week featuring biometric screenings, massage stations, and fitness classes. Meditation rooms were provided throughout the week where staff could de-stress and gain a sense of peace, calm, and balance.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
West Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office celebrated National Correctional Officer and Employee Appreciation Week with live events for the first time since the pandemic began. It was important to our Executive Staff to make the week memorable as a way of thanking our dedicated staff members for all of their hard work and dedication over the past few years.
The week kicked off with briefings that included coffee and sweet treats. From there, we celebrated a day of fun, games, staff giveaways, a barbecue luncheon provided by our own PBSO Grill Team, and massages. There was also a Benefits Fair with plenty of freebies and information on many of the elective benefits that PBSO has to offer. We finished off the week participating in the Tri-County Bowling Tournament with Broward County, Miami-Dade, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive. We all enjoyed a brief respite from the demands of our day-to-day duties. What an awesome week of activities and fun to celebrate our profession!
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office
Wichita, Kansas
In honor of National Corrections Officers Week, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office hosted their annual Corrections and Police Officers Appreciation Cookout on May 11, 2022. This long-standing tradition included a cookout and prize giveaway for staff, with prizes being donated from local businesses. Colonel Jared Schechter, jail administrator, said, “Our Correctional Officers Week festivities are a small token of appreciation for our dedicated and hardworking staff.” A great time was had by all and the Sheriff’s Office looks forward to another productive year of serving the citizens of Sedgwick County.
—Jared Schechter, CJM, CCM
Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center
Manassas, Virginia
Honoring the unseen hero’s during the 2022 National Correctional Employee Week at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center was a task not taken lightly. The employees of our agency contribute immensely to the community they serve. Our facility, like others, has dealt with the impact of COVID-19 in years past during this very special week. This year was no different, but the agency committed to making sure these brave and heroic staff knew they were appreciated.
We started the week off with a two-day event providing breakfast to all staff. Breakfast was served with the help of our agency’s dedicated Employee Association board members. The breakfast platters included items such as bagels, donuts, pastries, fruits, muffins, and juice drinks. On these first two days, we also provided freshly made smoothies. The breakfast was served in one specific location, but for the smoothies, we had dedicated Captain’s come in at different times to help walk around the facility to ensure staff received the appreciation they deserved.
For the following two days we concentrated on a lunch menu. We provided a Chick-fil-a meal option to every staff member at the agency. Planning for this started weeks in advance. Each staff member had the option to choose the meal they wanted through survey. All meals came with a bag of chips, homemade cookies, bottles of water, and condiments. The meals were made fresh throughout both days and delivered to the staff. We also had the Chick-fil-a cow come out during this time and take pictures with staff, showing their appreciation.
During the entire week we held a 50/50 raffle, decorated areas with signs and balloons, and a custom-made picture booth. To say the least, we got to see a lot of smiles and laughter, while enjoying much-deserved appreciation.
—Lieutenant Chester Outland
St. Charles County Jail
St. Charles, Missouri
Jeff Korte from the St. Charles County Jail in St. Charles, Missouri, was happy to share their Employee Week experience:
Months before the Employee Week, our committee conducted several weekly meetings to prepare. We posted flyers all over the facility and sent numerous emails. We started the week off Sunday, May 1, with Pizza for Platoons B and C. May 2, Marvelous Monday, included breakfast sandwiches and donuts for Platoon A and Chick-fil-A sandwiches for Platoon D. On May 3, Thankful Tuesday, there was a potluck for Platoons A and D. Wishful Wednesday was on May 4, with a potluck for Platoons B and C. May 5, Tasty Thursday, included tacos for Platoons B and C. On May 6, Foodie Friday, pizza was served up for Platoons A and D. We had a PlayStation 4 and 5 set up for staff to play on their breaks throughout the week. The big finale was May 7, Sizzlin’ Saturday, with the Barbecue and Family Fun Day. We had a bounce house for the kids, face painting, a dunk tank, pie-throwing, music, a free barbeque with all the sides, cornhole, drinks, and dessert. The Director was on the receiving end of the pie throw and I took a turn in the dunk tank.
For the shift that was helping with the Family Fun Day, we allowed the shift supervisors to split the group. Half of them joined their families for the festivities for the first half of the day, and the second group followed. We had a large 50/50 raffle for everyone and gave away sunglasses, an iPad, and a 55" television. We also announced the Officer of the Year and Employee of the Year.
Walton County Jail
Defuniak Springs, Florida
Before most of Walton County is even awake there is movement at the Walton County Jail. In the kitchen, cooking is well underway even before the sun rises. On this day, command staff replaces inmates in preparing food for the outgoing and incoming shifts of detention deputies and support staff.
Every year, the first week of May is set aside to honor Correctional Officers and employees. This year National Nurses Day fell at the very end of that week and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office created an Employee Appreciation Team to organize and carry out the week’s events for 2022—making it the best celebration to date.
A customized “Thank You” banner was prominently displayed at the entrance of the Sheriff’s Office complex to spread the word and, every day, staff was treated to breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by the Employee Appreciation Team made up of Lieutenants and Managers along with the help of service staff.
Breakfast was served daily at 0430 sharp in order to catch both the oncoming day shift and allow the employees going off night shift an opportunity to sit down and enjoy their breakfast or grab a plate to go. The team continued to serve breakfast until 0830 to make sure all employees had an opportunity to partake in the meal, which included fried and/or scrambled eggs, grits, toast, biscuits, patty and/or link sausage with orange and/or apple juice.
In order to ensure all employees were served different meals daily, the options for lunch and dinner were rotated. The first, was a salad and taco bar for one meal including all the extras to make a perfect salad or taco: cheese, sour cream, croutons, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, salsa and salad dressing.
This meal was a huge hit with the staff. However, we didn’t receive any complaints about the salad bar with spaghetti and garlic bread either! Over all, the staff enjoyed the food but most importantly they enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship with other staff members and command staff.
The Walton County Jail is truly thankful to all our local businesses who showed their support by donating gift cards and other items for an employee’s drawing which was done through a TEAMS meeting so all staff could attend—even those not physically at work. The TEAMS meeting was also recorded for the employees who were unable to join live. The staff really seemed to enjoy the drawings and appreciated the extra effort the Employee Appreciation Team made in order to receive the donated gifts.
In addition, all employees received a gift bag that included personal CPR mask, challenge coin designed for the Jail Division and a pair of Shady Rays polarized sunglasses. ViaPath, our commissary vendor, partnered with Shady Rays and provided all Jail Division employees a pair of X Series sunglasses for male employees and Signature Series for female employees.
To show appreciation to the Senior Leadership Team the staff presented custom made tumblers to Bureau Chief Karla Brock, Captain John Moring and Captain Dustin Burlison. Director Cory Godwin was presented with a customized cutting board—small tokens to say thank you for their leadership and support throughout the year.
“The staff at our facility put themselves in harm’s way to advance our mission of protecting the public, staff and inmates, while at the same time helping offenders to change their behavior before returning to the community,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “The agency’s mission of returning individuals back to their communities better than when they left becomes even more challenging amid a year marked with staffing issues. But our employees always rise to the challenge as continue to deliver excellent results. In Walton County, we love the citizens we serve and they consistently remind us that they love us too.” Adkinson concluded.
The WCSO Jail Division Vision is “A team of professionals committed to protecting the public, maintaining order, and building better people.” It is up to us to acknowledge our achievements, support one another and shine a positive light on our profession.
Spokane County Detention
Spokane, Washington
National Correctional Officers & Employees Week festivities were yet again tempered by the on-going Covid pandemic for Spokane County Detention Services (SCDS) staff. SCDS’s Appreciation Committee once more decided against soliciting local businesses for food and prizes, as many are still struggling to keep their businesses afloat. Instead, the committee relied upon staff contributions to fund the annual celebration.
During NCO&E Week, Command Staff emphasized the successes of a very challenging year. Besides managing several significant covid outbreaks, SCDS personnel over the past year have contended with staffing shortages in all departments,
increased state reporting requirements, greater political scrutiny by stakeholders, a gradually increasing inmate population, new laws limiting the use of certain non-lethal weapon options, and a larger percentage of Class-A and Class-B felons.
Six separate pizza feedings were conducted at the Spokane County Jail (8-hour work shifts) and four at Geiger Corrections Center (12-hour work shifts). Pizza was accompanied by couple dozen veggie trays. Staff also devoured 48 dozen doughnuts; half of them courtesy of our contracted medical provider. More than 222 gift cards were purchased and distributed to our 285 employees through random drawings. These gift cards ranged in value from $10 to $50, with a combined value of more than $2,500. Every staff member also received a souvenir SCDS pen.
While we didn’t solicit donations from businesses, it was heartening that a handful of local merchants insisted on offering discounts on gift cards for services, dining and shopping.
SCDS Interim Director Don Hooper takes the work of the Appreciation Committee work seriously. “We try to convey our appreciation at every opportunity, and almost everybody in the organization supports what we do. Just like monetary donations by staff, participation on the Appreciation Committee is totally voluntary. All our Lieutenants and several Sergeants are on the committee, along with Officers, administrative staff, cooks and counselors. Compared to some of the other meetings we attend, the Appreciation Committee gatherings are a welcome change.”
Besides the annual NCO&E Week celebration, the SCDS Appreciation Committee organizes a summer snack day, delivers food for all staff working Christmas Day, and is planning a prize drawing for those contributing to the NCO&E fund.
For Hooper and the SCDS Lieutenants—who all started their careers as SCDS Corrections Officers—personally greeting every staff member during NCO&E week is vitally important. “Food and prizes are great, but saying thanks face-to-face elevates it to a personal level.” Hooper said.
—Fred Peterson
Mesa Police Department
Mesa, Arizona
The Mesa Police Department recognized the detention personnel for all their hard work and dedication. Not only were they recognized by the Department, but the week’s events were sponsored by the Mesa Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9, Mesa Police Association, Mesa Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, and various local and national vendors. Special meals were served on various days, prizes were raffled throughout the week, and multiple units in the department sent snacks and thanks. MPD greatly appreciates and values the professionalism and commitment this group of officers and sergeants display and how they each represent the department on a daily basis!
