N.C. Department of Correction--Correction News--September 1997

NEWSBRIEFS

Raleigh - Kathie Lefler, an accounting clerk in the controller’s office was named Employee of the Quarter for the Payroll section for May through July. Lefler has a tremendous responsibility. With the assistance of only one other person, she must collect, reconcile, and remit all health insurance premiums for DOC’s 18,000 employees by deadlines. Controller Sam Newman congratulated Lefler for her constant effort and late hours to continue meeting monthly deadlines and goals. "It is important to recognize your contribution to all DOC employees in maintaining our health benefits," Newman told Lefler.

Newman also congratulated accounting technician Patricia Pollock for being selected Employee of the Quarter for the General Accounting Section. Pollock reconciled trust fund accounts on the new inmate banking system while also maintaining capital improvement reports accurately and keeping them up-to-date.

Boston - Emily Smith Garrett, judicial district manager of Alamance County (district 15A) was recently named to the American Probation and Parole Association Board of Directors. She will represent region six which covers North and South Carolina and Georgia. She will serve a six-year term.

Hickory - Judicial District Manager Jeff Joines recognized Surveillance Officer Steve Miller recently for his quick and decisive action that may have had lifesaving results for a Hickory woman. During routine surveillance checks in July, Miller arrived at the home of an offender who was at home alone and gasping for breath. Miller knew the offender had been suffering from health problems. Fearing there was not enough time to wait for EMS to respond, Miller placed the offender in his car. He made radio contact with the sheriff’s department asking the local hospital be notified that he was enroute. The offender was treated succesfully.

Benson - It seems DOC employees constantly find themselves in the right place at the right time. Tony Lassiter, an instructor with OSDT had stopped at a convenience store in May on his way to the Justice Academy in Salemburg. He noticed several customers in the store shoplifting. Lassiter advised the clerk when the individuals left the store that she had been robbed and needed to call the police. Several Benson police officers arrived and eight people were arrested in connection with the thefts. The eight offenders were part of a theft ring that had stolen $10,000 worth of merchandise from South of the Border and other places and were working their way up I-95, stealing as they went.

Rockingham - Canine handlers Eddie Poole and C.L. Taylor received kudos from Sheriff Dale B. Furr for their assistance in the search for two children in July. "These officers wasted no time entering the wooded area with one of my deputies and began their search," said Sheriff Furr. "The conditions were almost intolerable. Extreme heat, dense foliage and a lot of swamp made the search difficult. Within one hour after their (Poole and Taylor’s) arrival, the two children were back home scratched and scared but safe." According to Sheriff Furr, without the quick response and dedication of Poole and Taylor, the results could have been tragic.

Pinebluff - The Pinebluff police chief called for Aras's help and the department's drug-sniffing dog jumped into action. Chief Horton stopped a speeding vehcile and observed one of three occupants trying to hide something. DOC narcotics officer Lee Taylor arrived with Aras within 15 minutes. In 10 seconds, Aras came out with a plastic bag containing one pound of marijuana.

The Belgian Malinois has been working inside the prisons and recently found three ounces of marijuana at Sampson Correctional Center.

NC DOC Correction News- September 1997
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