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Published: May 16, 2008 09:26 pm
Readers' Forum: May 17, 2008
People should appreciate corrections officers
Some people in this world are born to do unpleasant jobs for us. The brave men and women who devote their careers to the field of corrections are these kinds of people.
Most people do not give a moment’s thought to the servants to public safety who devote their careers to the field of corrections. Every day correctional workers perform a critical service, and most often carried out inside the secured perimeter of a correctional institution. Yet, they deserve the thanks of all Hoosiers.
The image of corrections is too often distorted by the ingrained stereotypes, the kind we see on television, in movies, and in books.
What so often makes the news is the rare correctional employee fired for misconduct such as trafficking drugs to an offender. But this kind of bad employee is the exception to the rule, and is no more reflective of the hard-working public servants that routinely suit up in corrections, than is the person convicted of arson representative of the community in which he lived. The fact that the department continually polices for staff misconduct, and removes those that cross the line, is a testament to the department’s strong commitment to a high level of professionalism for those who protect us from persons convicted of serious crimes.
We recently observed Correctional Worker’s Week in Indiana (May 5-11). I call upon your readers, and all citizens of Indiana, to take the time to appreciate those who work day in and day out, keeping the most dangerous of our people locked up so they are unable to hurt others again. Correctional workers interact with convicted felons, trying to get these otherwise damned individuals to understand how they got to prison, and why they must accept a new pro-social and productive way of life if they are ever to regain the public’s trust — Certainly this must be one of the hardest, yet most noble pursuits in which any human can engage.
Yet their salaries and benefits still do not reflect the high-risk duties correctional employees fulfill each day, and they receive virtually no public recognition for the amazing work they do.
Take some time to reflect on the correctional officer who cannot celebrate Christmas morning with her children because the prison in which she works must remain fully operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Consider what it’s like to be the new employee, making his first rounds on the night shift inside a prison dormitory housing unit. Do not forget the substance abuse treatment provider that never loses hope, trying to inject some wisdom and self-respect into each juvenile.
Do not minimize the role of other correctional workers, such as physical plant maintenance staff, classification specialists, administrative assistants, educators, counselors, and so many others.
Then there are the facility superintendents who are never able to sleep as soundly as the rest of us, always wondering if there is more they could do to ensure a smooth running facility.
I am very proud of the 7,835 men and women who work for the Indiana Department of Correction. I am also impressed by the hundreds of correctional staff who work in Indiana’s county jails.
The next time you see that Department of Correction patch on the jacket of the person fueling up next to you at the gas station, extend your hand to them and let them know that you appreciate the work they do protecting you and your family.
When you drive past a facility capped in razor wire, do not gawk at its harshness, but appreciate the fact it exists, and reflect upon those who work inside, and give credibility to Indiana’s system of criminal justice.
— J. David Donahue
Commissioner Ind. Department of Correction
Thanks for support of building project
The Woodrow Wilson staff would like to thank President Jackie Lower and the school members, Superintendent Dan Tanoos and central office staff, Mr. Ralph Wagle, and the Terre Haute community for their support in building our new addition. We are so fortunate to have an auxiliary gym — the Granger-Kennedy gymnasium — a beautiful new band room, a well-equipped weight room and two computer labs to support our business class and to allow teachers to bring students to the other lab to integrate technology into classroom instruction.
A special thanks also goes to Mrs. Joanne Fiscus, one of our outstanding art teachers, who painted our mascot on the new gym as well as providing the artwork for our programs for the dedication.
We also would like to thank the Mrs. Trannie Grainger and her family and friends and Mrs. Diane Kennedy and her family for coming to the dedication where we honored both Mrs. Grainger and the late Mr. Mike Kennedy. Mrs. Linda Hill, Mr. Terry Marrs, Mr. Dan Raubuck, and Mr. Ralph Wagle gave us many laughs and fond memories as they recalled the dedication and professionalism of these two outstanding educators
As always, the Wilson Performance Band and the Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Mr. David Nearpass provided outstanding music and our student council members served as excellent hosts for the evening.
The evening was enjoyed by over 400 members of our community.
— Dr. Sharon Pitts
Principal
Woodrow Wilson Middle School
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