N.C. Department of Correction--Correction News--April 1997
News Notes
Rowan County - Probation officers Kelly Creech and Kristie Kiser recently raised more than $1,400 for the DARE program. The officers participated in the Rowan County Sheriff's Department DARE Jail-A-Thon. Both were "arrested" and required to post a $750 bond. Officers Creech and Kiser were able to raise the money in less than four hours.
| Roanoke Rapids - Vernon J. Bryant, chief probation and parole officer from Halifax County has been appointed to serve on the State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board. Bryant has served on the board for one year and will serve as its chairman for the upcoming year. The Advisory Board will assist with the credit union's membership expansion and improvement of services. Bryant is married to the former Sandra Walden. They have two children, Kendel and Kevin. |
Wake County - Two inmates rescued a Department of Transportation employee while working Feb. 12. As inmates removed a beaver dam near a drain pipe, Donnie Eatmon, a DOT superintendent, fell into the water. Inmates Clarence Sessoms and Danny McClain of Wake Correctional Center quickly pulled Eatmon to safety before he was pulled into the drain pipe. "Their action was heroic," said Eatmon. "I thank God these men were there to help me."
Burgaw - Correctional officer Christina Peck has been commended by DOP Command Manager Bob Lewis and Pender Correctional Institution Superintendent Jack Turlington for saving an inmate's life. Officer Peck was assigned to the dining hall January 29th, when an inmate walked by her clutching his throat. Peck followed the inmate outside, realized he was choking and used the Heimlich maneuver to clear a piece of meat that had lodged in the inmate's airway.
Raleigh - Chief of Religious Services Roosevelt Wilkerson has been named to represent the American Correctional Chaplains Association on the National Interfaith Coalition's State Coordinating Committee. NICSCC is a non-profit organization composed of 32 national associations and faith groups.
Elizabeth City - Correctional officer Brenda Dillon from Pasquotank Correctional Institution was honored Jan. 25 as the junior chamber of commerce's Outstanding Correctional Officer of the Year. Officer Dillon works in the operations support section of the prison.
Asheville - The third annual conference of the NC Probation and Parole Association is scheduled for May 28-30. The theme is "Reaching New Heights in Community Corrections." Workshop topics include: The Victim, Gang Awareness, National Legislation Affecting Probation and Parole, Restorative Justice, and Testifying as a Witness.
Beaufort - Probation and Parole officer Alfred Basden was recently commended by DAPP Director Robert Guy. Basden's actions led to the arrest of three offenders after drugs were found in their residence. During a routine check, Basden noticed a light shining behind a bedroom dresser. Upon further investigation, Basden found marijuana plants being grown in a small plastic container.
Winston-Salem - The 19th annual Forsyth Correctional Center golf tournament is scheduled for May 15-16. Prizes will be awarded. Proceeds will benefit the North Carolina Special Olympics. For more information or to sign up, call (910) 896-7041. Ask for Ronnie Evans, Brad Wiggins or Johnny Johnson.