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"These officers are admired throughout the department because of their integrity, dedication, and professionalism," Freeman said. "I commend the officers and their colleagues for doing their demanding job in an excellent manner."
In a proclamation naming May 5-11 Correctional, Probation and Parole Officers Week in North Carolina, Gov. Jim Hunt said, "Officers must act as counselors, communicators, and experts at crisis management. They possess the intuitive sense to resolve conflicts and to restrain persons representing a danger to themselves or others."
| Correctional Officers of the Year include Randall J. Duell, Brown Creek Correctional Institution. Sgt. Duell was on his way home from a long day at work last year. Suddenly, Duell noticed a tractor-trailer behind him run off a bridge, down a 50-foot embankment, and explode into flames. Duell immediately sprung into action. He flagged down another trucker and borrowed a fire extinguisher. After putting the fire out, he pulled the driver to safety. |  |
| Alvin R. Ingram, Neuse Correctional Institution. While working in the inmate dining hall, Officer Ingram observed an inmate choking on food. Ingram administered the Heimlich maneuver, saving the inmate's life. |
| James R. Sanderson, Robeson Correctional Center. Always alert to the safety and welfare of inmates, Lt. Sanderson noticed an inmate showing signs of choking. Quickly and professionally, Sanderson grabbed the inmate from behind and began using the Heimlich maneuver. The food was forced out of the inmate's throat and now, the inmate is doing fine. |  |
| Theophilus G. Barry, Caswell Correctional Center. When a convicted murderer escaped from a hospital parking lot last year, Lt. Barry coordinated information with law enforcement agencies statewide. This information led to the inmate's capture. In addition to his work at Caswell, Barry also provides assistance to other law enforcement agencies with his tracking dogs. |
| Walter E. Taylor, Wilkes Correctional Center. As program director, Taylor goes the extra mile to ensure that inmate programs and job assignments are available and meaningful. He has sacrificed a significant amount of his personal time to give inmates a positive direction through counseling sessions. |  |
| William R. Gray, Greene Correctional Center. Sgt. Gray made a significant contribution to the Community Work Program pilot project. He supervised nine work crews. His dedication and commitment are largely responsible for the program's success at Greene and now, statewide. Sgt. Gray is active in the Snow Hill National Guard and he is also a scoutmaster. |
| David L. Williams, Iredell Correctional Center. Officer Williams has taken numerous inmates that had problems at other prisons and turned them into good workers. According to Assistant Superintendent Craig Hilliard, if Williams can't get inmates to work, it can't be done. When new phone lines were dug for Iredell, Williams got down in the trenches and worked as hard as the inmates. He leads by example. |  |
| Marshall A. Hudson, Central Prison. Capt Hudson has served as an extradition officer capturing hundreds of fugitives in all 50 states during his 35 years with DOC. Currently, he is responsible for the training and recertification of more than 500 employees. Although he has a long list of honors, Hudson will always be remembered as the only person to pepper spray Prisons Director Lynn Phillips and get away with it. |
| Terry R. Lowe, Morrison Youth Institution. Officer Lowe has written guidelines for the trust fund and canteen operations. He also helped rewrite standard operating procedures for the entire prison. During a recent staff shortage, Lowe was assigned a heavy workload in the programs area. He aggressively learned the job and required very little supervision. |  |
Melverleen Y. Wilson, Durham County.
When the Orange County probation office had
several vacancies last year, Wilson eagerly
volunteered to assist the district with the
supervision of offenders. She was helpful in
bringing the offenders in compliance with their
probation judgements and parole agreements.
Wilson did this while maintaining her own
caseload in an effective manner.
Katherine C. Horne, Columbus County.
Horne, who is chair of the Columbus County
Justice Partnership Board, spearheaded an
$86,000 grant award to Columbus County.
She gathered all the statistical information and
helped develop a treatment program. She also
spent eight weeks away from home training
DAPP personnel in OPUS.
Bruce Crouse, Chatham County. When
the chief probation and parole officer in
Orange County retired last year, Crouse
agreed to supervise the Orange County unit as
well as his own until a new person was
appointed. Crouse quickly developed a plan
to ensure smooth operations in both Orange
and Chatham counties. He handled case
reviews, conducted staff meetings, established
work schedules and provided needed support
and direction.
Phyllis Leary, Wilson County.
Recognized for her strong instructor skills,
Leary assisted with the plans and
implementation of training classes for OPUS
data entry. She also assists with the HELP
desk. The extra duties have taken time away
from her primary duties as unit supervisor.
But Leary is committed. She worked nights
and weekends to balance the workload.
James O. Parker, Carteret County.
Parker is chairman of the local Criminal
Justice Partnership Board. Under his
direction, the board is implementing "The Life
Structured Training Program." It targets
unemployed and underemployed probationers,
providing 12 weeks of motivational and life
skills training. Parker has worked more than
200 hours of volunteer time to develop this
program.
Wayne J. Kinney, Forsyth County.
Kinney helped establish and coordinate the
Forsyth County Cooperative Absconder
Project. Upon apprehension of an absconder,
arresting officers contact Kinney to coordinate
warrants being served. His willingness to
respond on evenings, weekends and holidays
has improved relations between probation and
parole and local law enforcement.
Phillip R. Cheek, Randolph County.
Probationers in five high schools are assigned
to Cheek. He frequently stops by the high
schools to check on the probationers. Cheek
usually attends the graduation of all of his
probationers. Under Cheek's guidance, more
probationers are graduating and fewer are
dropping out.
David L. Smith, Surry County. Because
of Smith's efforts, Surry County has one of
the strongest electronic house arrest programs
in the state. For more than two years, Smith
was one of two officers supervising more than
40 EHA offenders and also handling a regular
caseload.
Alan A. Laughter, Rutherford County.
Laughter became an OPUS trainer in August
1995. He assisted with several training classes
and with troubleshooting in Mecklenburg
County. He completed instructor training in
February, all the time maintaining his caseload
and assisting with OPUS problems locally. He
is also a member of the EHA response team in
Rutherford County, filling in when other
employees have to be away.
Janet M. Crump, Burke County. Crump
has spent a significant amount of time as lead
instructor for OPUS training in areas around
the state. Class participants and fellow
instructors have praised Crump for her quality
training and follow-up assistance. Crump was
one of the first to volunteer her time to help
organize and serve the N.C. Probation and
Parole Association.
Goldsboro -Leon Gaither, a retired 26 year veteran of the Department of Correction, received the Lewyn M. Hayes Award during the Minority Pioneers annual conference April 27.
| The award, which is the group's highest
honor, was presented to Gaither for his
outstanding service to the Department of
Correction. He spent most of his years as a
sergeant at Rowan Correctional Center. Gaither was described as an exceptional employee who set high standards for himself and others in the profession. He helped lead the way in overcoming obstacles of discrimination that plagued minorities in earlier times. | 
|
In the keynote message, Secretary Franklin Freeman praised pioneers such as Gaither for their tireless efforts and tenacity. "The award bearing the name of Lewyn M. Hayes, the first African-American prison superintendent in DOC, is a worthy achievement and a fine tribute to a valorous man," said Freeman.
Interrupted several times by applause, Freeman discussed the makeup of DOC staff. "Under Gov. Hunt's leadership, a conscious effort has been made to promote and hire minorities," said Freeman. "DOC has the best hiring record of any other state agency, carrying a 31.6% hiring rate for minorities. Last year, 972 African Americans were hired in DOC compared to 478 in 1991. The number of promotions has increased as well."
Freeman also discussed the growing number of minority inmates. "Sixty-five percent of the offenders entering prison last year were black," Freeman said. "Forty-nine percent were on probation and parole. This group deserves special attention. Help can be found through churches, fraternities, sororities, civic and other professional organizations."
In closing, Freeman promised to help minority pioneers plow new ground for future generations. His remarks were warmly received and prompted a standing ovation.
| Glover escorted an inmate to the soap room for supplies. Upon entering, the inmate shut the door, turned around with a knife and demanded that Glover give him the keys to the unit gate and to her personal vehicle. Glover quickly began trying to persuade the inmate not to harm her. She reached for her two-way radio but the inmate took it. Next, the inmate tried to tape Glover's mouth with duct tape. But each time, Glover would grab the duct tape and throw it to the floor. |  |
By remaining calm and keeping her cool, Glover managed to come out of this dangerous, life threatening situation unharmed and is doing fine.
Following a barbecue luncheon, guests toured the new 26,569 square foot plant which handles two million pounds of meat a year. Inmate workers process beef innards, grind sausage, mix meatloaf and make fish, turkey and beef patties at the plant. Other foods such as frankfurters, bacon and chicken parts are bought in bulk on a bid basis, put in storage and distributed to DOC's 93 prisons. Eggs from Caledonia Prison Farm are also stored at the meat plant.
Enterprise Director Les Martin thanked the many people who pulled together to get the meat plant operating. He said maintenance workers from other Enterprise Operations were called upon to help make modifications.
"Through their concerted efforts, we were able to move into the plant by the Feb. 19th deadline," Martin said. "Engineering sent inspectors to check the work and make sure we were up to code. Harnett Correctional Institution's maintenance staff dug ditches and whatever else needed to be done. The N.C. Dept. of Agriculture gave advice and did special inspections. The Dept. of Transportation graded and built a new driveway to the plant. The meat processing plant employees worked overtime building inventory before the plant opened. I am grateful to all these people who went the extra mile to help open the plant."
The position is responsible for educational programs in the state's 93 prisons.
| "Education is the true rehabilitation for
prisoners and benefits the entire state,"
Freeman said. "Jane Young has the
experience and energy to inject new life into
the prison education programs. She will do an
outstanding job." Young comes to the Department of Correction from the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh as director of student services where she managed five school programs for students with visual impairments. Young was also the assistant principal at Enloe High School in 1991 and has worked as a research assistant for the UNC School of Education and the Carolina Policy Studies Program, education specialist for the mental health center in Chapel Hill, and learning disabilities teacher in Roxboro, Durham, and Butner. |
I was born and reared on a farm. Hogs, cows, mules, and chickens were my surroundings. I will never forget the lessons learned from observing the livestock at feeding time. My brothers and I would carry feed and pour it into the long troughs stationed strategically in the hog pen. It was fascinating to watch the hogs quickly gobble down their food. My fascination quickly turned to disfavor when one of the larger hogs would lay down in the trough in an attempt to prevent the other hogs from feeding. It was there I learned that hogs do not believe in equal access or opportunity. My father invested in a feeder that rationed the food equally in 12 compartments, each just large enough for a hog to stick his head in for feeding. My father's action was a solution for ensuring that each hog enjoyed equal opportunity when feeding.
A common misconception is that EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) means that employers provide some semblance of preferential treatment to certain groups who are historically viewed as disadvantaged. EEO, however, is not intended to make available a set-aside process to facilitate preferences. Rather, it is to ensure a process where everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, age, or disability has equal access to opportunity and fair play in all employment matters.
EEO, by definition, provides equal job opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability. EEO is not Affirmative Action. It was never intended to be; however, the two have been confused. Affirmative Action is being challenged across the nation. Some argue that it has outlived its time and is no longer needed.
Historically, Affirmative Action was sometimes a legal mandate, but also was voluntarily instituted by an organization to remedy past practices that have adversely affected certain groups. Its intent was remedial, but was perceived by many as quotas resulting in reverse discrimination. Affirmative Action, contrary to the belief held by some, was not the arbitrary setting of quotas in an attempt to achieve some numerical value without regard to merit and qualification.
EEO is not only a legal obligation, but a moral and ethical duty on the part of individuals making employment decisions affecting the lives of living, breathing human beings. EEO is legislated -it is the law. Having a moral conscience is a matter of the heart.
Mills will be responsible for supervising probation and parole offices in 32 eastern counties.
| "Mr. Mills is a career state employee who has served this department well throughout the past 19 years," Freeman said. "With the increasing numbers of offenders on probation and parole, the four state Judicial Divisions have more responsibility than ever before, and the Greenville office will be well served by Mr. Mills' experience." |
Mills was promoted in 1987 to intensive officer, and in 1989 to intensive supervisor, later called assistant branch manager. In 1993, Mills became Branch I manager which later became an assistant division chief position.
One of the original Intensive Probation Officers, Kinney has worked for the Department of Correction since 1974. He started as a probation officer in Winston-Salem. He became chief probation officer in 1990, his most recent position prior to his new appointment.
"Mr. Kinney has proven to be a capable administrator and will do well in this new position," Freeman said. "The demands on probation and parole officers continue to escalate, and the department is fortunate to have capable managers such as Mr. Kinney to guide district probation and parole offices."
Kinney was a recipient of the 1996 Probation and Parole Officer of the Year.
Born in Richmond, Va., Kinney grew up in Winston-Salem, graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1965. He joined the U.S. Air Force, being stationed in the Phillipines, Ga., Tx., and Miss. In 1973, he graduated with a B.S. degree in sociology from Guilford College.
Assistant DAPP Director Sherry Pilkington, serving as master of ceremonies for the luncheon, showed photographs of West's childhood, marriage and three daughters. Secretary Franklin Freeman praised West for his many productive years with the Division of Adult Probation and Parole and presented him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Gov. Jim Hunt.
| West, the Judicial District 1 Chief, began his correctional career in 1974 as a program director at New Hanover Correctional Center. In 1977, he became the assistant director of the Pre-Release and Aftercare Center in Raleigh and after continual promotions, he became chief of parole services in 1988. |
West also spent time as a radio announcer and held public relations jobs. He won Wilson's Voice of Democracy contest in 1954 and was cited for Outstanding Service to the U.S. Army as a broadcast specialist on Aug. 12, 1961 in Verona, Italy.
"My 30 years with State Government have provided me with a lifetime of memories and career advancements," West wrote. "I am leaving with the knowledge that the people in this department are among the very best in State Government."
| "The SBI and other law enforcement agencies relied heavily on her identification system which was impeccable, preventing possible false arrests," Freeman said. "Louise has been a level-headed, honest and dedicated employee, a woman with a soft demeanor and a strong constitution. She will be deeply missed." |  |
Bunn spent 22 years working for Color Craft photo labs prior to coming to work for the Department of Correction.
| "Mr. Tiszai has done an outstanding job
reaching out to help inmates at Polk Youth
Institution through its drama program,"
Correction Secretary Franklin Freeman said at
a Wednesday luncheon honoring volunteers. Tiszai has helped some inmates act more responsibly through communication and teaching skills in the acting class. Tiszai has directed several biblical plays at Polk Youth Institution including And There Was Mary, The Sorrowful Star, He Has Risen Indeed, and Angels on High. He has also directed several comedies. As a result, Tiszai has earned the respect of both inmates and staff. |  |
Tiszai was one of 20 volunteers nominated for Volunteer of the Year in the Division of Prisons.
Others recognized in the ceremony included Eunice Berry, Lumberton Correctional Institution. Berry was the first volunteer at Lumberton when it opened two years ago. She leads Christian worship services and Bible study classes. Berry has also donated a piano to the prison.
Winfred E. Everhart, Blanch Youth Institution. Upon his arrival at Blanche, Everhart immediately begins his ministry to the inmates by walking from cell to cell, talking, singing, reading the Bible, and praying with inmates for three to four hours.
Rev. Eleanor (Ellie) Jean Foley, Neuse Correctional Institution. Rev. Foley has faithfully and diligently brought 18 volunteers to the prison each month to present powerful social and religious skits. The volunteers use puppets and dramatic interpretive dance in their skits. Rev. Foley's dedication is evident by her four hour travel time to and from the prison.
Savannah P. Johnson, Forsyth Correctional Center. Johnson was instrumental in the development of a reading tutorial class at Forsyth. She has given many inmates new hope for a brighter future.
Grayson Ward, Sandy Ridge
Correctional Center. Ward began
volunteering five years ago with the
Alcoholics Anonymous program. He's
currently the program's coordinator and
conducts meetings twice a week.
Lucy M. Lucas, Nash Correctional Institution. Lucas has organized numerous gospel
concerts, recruited many volunteers, and initiated several special activities for the entire inmate
population during the year. Her jovial and congenial personality has been a positive influence on
inmates and staff. Nina M. Price, Brown Creek
Correctional Institution. Price is the Prison
Fellowship coordinator and plays a major role
in assisting the chaplain with religious
educational programs. She has also
coordinated Christmas programs and recruited
other volunteers. 
Carlene Damron, Iredell Correctional Center. Damron contacted more than 25 churches and arranged for food to be donated for the inmates' Thanksgiving meal. She is the pianist for Sunday worship services and offers support to many other religious activities. For the last five years, Damron has organized the Little Dove project, where Christmas gifts are given to inmates' children who might not otherwise receive gifts.
Charles R. Harris, Martin Correctional Center. When called upon to provide assistance, Harris is always willing to donate his time. As an ex-offender who is now a successful businessman and productive citizen, Harris has proven to be an excellent role model for inmates.
James Hudson, Stanly Correctional Center. Hudson is the prison's chaplain and a member of the Community Resource Council. He coordinates all religious programs and has been very effective in soliciting funds from churches and local businesses.
Rev. David Rose, Avery Correctional Center. Rev. Rose spends time with inmates who never get involved in church activities. He does this by running with them, playing basketball, or just taking a walk around the ball field.
John Clark, Franklin Correctional Center. During his eight years as a volunteer, Clark has recruited other volunteers to assist him with teaching the 12-Step Recovery Program. He has shown patience in working with inmates and on special occasions, provided his own funds to purchase books and other materials.
Rev. Leslie George Wood, Hoke Correctional Institution. Rev. Wood has conducted monthly interdenominational worship services for the inmates. He shares his personal testimony and faith with any inmate who will listen.
Ariel Latham, Southern Correctional Institution. A charter member of the Yokefellow Prison Ministry at Southern, Latham rarely misses a Yokefellow meeting, even in inclement weather. He assists with all Christmas parties and provides Bibles and other religious materials to inmates.
Sheriff James "Red" Lyons, Watauga Correctional Center. When Sheriff Lyons attends any type of activity at the prison, he speaks to all staff and inmates. He lets inmates know that he cares, no matter what they've done. He assists with providing food for several inmate programs. He also participates in religious activities by performing with his family quartet.
Harold C. York, Sanford Correctional Center. For 17 years, York has given his time and energy to promote the development and continuation of important programs at Sanford. He is also chairman of the Community Resource Council. As a community leave sponsor, he has escorted inmates to church, plays, and concerts.
Dorothy H. King, N.C. Correctional Institution for Women. King has been actively involved in Prison Fellowship, Yokefellow Prison Ministry, the Community Resource Council, and providing weekly Bible studies for death row inmates.
Rev. Jacqueline Ellis, Goldsboro Correctional Center. Rev. Ellis conducts spiritual services twice a week, coordinates an annual revival and provides baptism services when requested. She even provided a home for an ex-convict until he could find a place to live.
Jack H. Evans, Orange Correctional Center. Evans has presented himself as an excellent role model for inmates with his punctuality, integrity, and caring attitude. He has been active in Bible study, the Community Resource Council and is a community leave sponsor.
I understand that this is a new program that is being tried throughout the state know as The Community Work Program. This program has been an excellent experience for us. We are a very small town with a limited budget and work force. The work that was done by the prisoners allowed our maintenance people to accomplish things that were put off due to priority.
The crews have been hard working and courteous. It has been a very good public relations tool for us as well as the state. It is our intention to utilize this program as much as possible. We feel that it is beneficial to everyone involved. Please accept our congratulations on a well organized program that should be initiated in every state. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rachel McGaha, Town Manager
Bryson City
We thank you again for allowing us to work with you on this worthwhile program. Please extend our thanks to all who helped to make the wood program a success. We look forward to working with you again.
Sincerely,
Linda Gaddy, Executive Director
Richmond County Community
Support Center
| As you may know, our roof was in the middle of repairs and replacement, and the rain came right into our building, not only flooding offices but soaking the ceilings and walls of the State Archives and the State Library stacks. The Archives in particular contain irreplaceable materials, including state and county records and other documents dating back to the 1600's. |
We are grateful to you and all your associates for "answering the call." Again, our deepest appreciation.
Most Sincerely,
Secretary Betty Ray McCain
Dept. of Cultural Resources
much was accomplished during the seven days we could work. Over ten dump truck loads of wood were hauled from along the roadway and dam area, and eight truck loads of mulch were chipped from the limbs.
The program is indeed a successful one to help those agencies like ourselves who have labor intensive projects. We look forward to working with you on future scheduled projects,
Sincerely,
Tommy Wagoner, Superintendent
Hanging Rock State Park
These men cleared rights of way and drainage ditches everyday. Thirteen of them used bush axes, ropes, rakes and their backs to clean areas of large trees and debris that had been neglected for years. The thing that surprised and amazed me most was the attitude that everyone of them had. All thirteen of the fellows worked to accomplish the specific task at hand. I visited the work site on a regular basis. During my visits I never heard a harsh word, or a complaint. They expressed to me how happy they were to be outside, working to accomplish something. Believe me, this wasn't just talk.
The first ditch we put these guys on is 8 feet deep and 10-12 feet across. It had hundreds of pine trees, that in some cases were 5 inches around. We believed it would take them the entire IO day contract period to finish this 1,000 foot long ditch. After three days they were finished. They cut down every single tree and stacked them off to the side so public works crews could chip them later.
These guys worked together as a team. They came together as a team. They came together from different regions of the state, different races and creeds and socioeconomic backgrounds. They concentrated on the task at hand.
There are two other gentlemen to whom we owe our gratitude. The first is Correctional Officer Herman Fair. Officer Fair transported the inmates to the worksite, organized on-site activities and supervised the workers. Mr. Fair was eager to please in any way he could. His attitude was positively "can do." Often times I observed him working as hard as the others. He swings a pretty mean bush axe. He was a pleasure to work with in every way.
Captain L.D. Elliott visited me first to discuss the program. He accompanied my staff to visit the proposed work sites. They returned to Town Hall office where he gave us the simple, single page contract. He addressed our responsibilities to the Department of Correction to ensure the work was accomplished within guidelines. At all times he was professional and thorough. He was a pleasure to deal with and is to be commended for his efforts.
The people of North Carolina have long voiced support for having these fellows working on projects that benefit communities. The people of Selma were happy to see the effort as it was undertaken and the ensuing results. We applaud you and your staff for your diligent efforts on our behalf.
Sincerely,
Joe Moore, Mayor
Town of Selma
Greensboro - N.C.'s chapter of the American Correctional Food Service Association will hold its
third annual conference June 18-19 at the Holiday Inn in Greensboro. One of the highlights of the
conference will be the naming of the Food Service Operator and Employee of the Year awards.
Return to contents
STAFF TRAINING HONOR STUDENTS Sharon L. Creef
Pasquotank Donald E. James
Pender Timothy C. McGrory
Tillery Dennis M. Schmitt
Pender Jimmie L. Shepherd
Brown Creek Laura A. Anderson
Wayne Paul W. Pollock
Currituck Joel G. Adkins
DAPP Timothy L. Gupton
DAPP Michele L. Kirbow-Raleigh
NCCIW RETIREMENTS--30 YEARS OR MORE Bendera Dellinger
DAPP Kenneth R. West
DAPP DEATHS Robert Earl Boykin
Sampson