Impact Georgia, Nov. 2012

Impact Georgia

November 2012 Newsletter

In This Issue
1 Officer Larry Stell Memorial
2Meet the Newly Appointed Assistant Commissioner, Chief of Staff
Volunteer Appreciation Day
Chinese Delegation Visits DOC Headquarters
3 Recognition of Retirees
4 DRC Lite Program Images Across the State
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In Remembrance of Officer Larry Stell

END OF WATCH 10/11/2012
On October 11th, we lost one of our own. Officer Larry Stell of Telfair State Prison was fatally assaulted by an inmate. The inmate involved has been transferred and faces charges.
Hundreds of condolences have been received by citizens, correctional and law enforcement agencies across the United States and the state of Georgia. All have expressed heartfelt messages to family, friends and coworkers of Officer Stell as well as memorable moments with Officer Stell.

To view or add your condolences to the online messages, please visit our Facebook page & the Officer Down Memorial Page at the following addresses:
facebook.com/georgiacorrections
odmp.org
"Officer Stell was an honorable and loyal officer who carried out the agency's mission of protecting the citizens of Georgia. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten."
-Randy K. Tillman
Director of Facilities Operations
The Employee Assistance Program is providing counseling services for those who wish to speak with someone.
Any GDC employee may call them directly at 1-800-869-0276 and schedule an appointment. In addition, Georgia State Patrol Peer Support Team Administrator Andy Carrier is offering one on one phone counseling with peer support members. Employees can contact the Administrator at 706-836-4410.

Wardens' Remembrance of Officer Stell
"In the midst of our despair, we find healing in each new day, strength in unity and peace in celebrating a life well lived."
-William Danforth
Warden, Telfair State Prison
"Officer Stell was a loyal and dedicated officer at Wilcox State Prison for over eight years. He transferred to Telfair State Prison on September 16th. When asked why he wanted to transfer to Telfair State Prison, he said `I believe I can make a difference at Telfair, with my years of experience'."
-Darrell Hart
Warden, Wilcox State Prison

Please submit articles and photos to Gwendolyn Hogan by November 15th.
Email: hogang00@dcor.state.ga.us

"I am deeply sadden by the loss of Officer Stell and extend the Department's deepest sympathies to family, friends, and staff during this very difficult time."
-Brian Owens
Commissioner

Did You Know..The Department has implemented a new pilot program, DRC Lite in rural circuits!

2

Meet the Department's Newly Appointed Assistant Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier

On October 15th, Gov. Nathan Deal appointed former Commissioner of Driver Services Gregory C. Dozier to Assistant Commissioner, Chief of Staff of the Department of Corrections.
Asst. Commissioner Dozier will oversee the Executive Operations, Administration and Operations Planning & Training divisions for the Department.

a safer Georgia for our citizens."
Q: What's your favorite quote? "The harder I work, the luckier I get."
Q: Do you have any hobbies? Golf, coin collection, and my daughter's soccer team.
Q: What is your favorite movie? Mission Impossible

Public Relations & Information Specialist Dabney Weems sat down with Asst. Commissioner Dozier and asked questions to get to know our newly appointed leader.
Q:What is your Educational background? I received a Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master's of Business Administration in Finance from Georgia State University.
Q: What was your previous position and duration? Commissioner of the Department of Driver Safety, 7 years
Q: Why did you want to pursue a career in law enforcement? I wanted to be a

Assistant Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier
public servant. My mom is a teacher and my grandfather served in World War II. I wanted to make a difference.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a leader? Seeing an idea develop and how it can make a difference on a large number of people.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment? Other than my family, the transformation of DDS.
Q: What are some of your goals for the

Volunteer Appreciation Day at Smith State Prison

Q: What music is on your iPod? Christian, 80s, a little bit of everything

Department? To support the Commissioner's vision and continue to move the Department forward. This is a great team, and I'm looking forward to being part of it.

Q: What's your favorite website? Any news site
Q: What's your favorite app? Kindle, Yelp

Q: What is one of the major challenges facing the profession of law enforcement? The overall challenges that so-

Q: What's your favorite book? "Good to Great" by Jim Collins; anything by John Grisham

ciety faces.

Q: Do you have a celebrity look-a-like?

Jeopardy champion, Ken Jennings Q: What do you look forward to most

working for the Department? "Being

part of great team that works to create

Chinese Delegation Visits State Offices South

Contributed by Ruthie Moody, Secretary to the Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment

On October 16th, visitors from Hangzhou, China visited State Offices South at Tift College.
The Central Office Human Resources Director and team presented an

overview of their function within a government agency.
The Chinese Delegation was treated to lunch and a tour of the campus after the presentation.

Volunteers pose for a picture at Smith State Prison
On September 28th, a new event took place at Smith State Prison.
An Appreciation Ceremony was held for the ministering volunteers at the facility.
The event was sponsored by the Harvest Time Faith Center as well as Books, Buttons & More; Project Care, Inc; Fabulous Finds; and Stewart's Meats.
The event was hosted by Chaplain Dr. Bernard Hill. Guest speaker of the event was Chaplaincy Services Director Danny Horne.

Chaplain Horne spoke to the volunteers about their persistent and unwavering service to the men and women who are incarcerated throughout the state of Georgia. He asked them to continue in their quest to reach those in these situations regardless of the opposition they may face upon trying to enter some facilities.

Warden Stanley Williams also spoke to the volunteers on how much he appreciates the work each and every one of them performs at his facility. He mentioned that he has noticed the positive effect they have on the offenders and encouraged them to continue their work.

Chinese Delegation pictured in the President's House at State Offices South at Tift College following the HR presentation

Recognition of Retirees

3

Calendar Events
Thursday, November 1 Board of Corrections Meeting

Thursday-Friday November 1-2 Deputy Warden
Care & Treatment Academy

Buster King
29 Years of Service
Buster King retired from the Department on September 27, 2012. Buster received the
Years of Service award, Commissioner's Coin and his badge was retired by the Department in honor of his service.

Hilton Hall
30 Years of Service
Hilton Hall retired from the Department on September 25, 2012. Hilton received the Department's Eagle Award for his outstanding service to the agency, Years of Service award, Commis-
sioner's Coin and his badge was retired by the Department.

Edwinnet Murphy
34 Years of Service
Edwinnet Murphy retired from the Department on October 23, 2012. Edwinnet was presented with a State Flag which was flown over the Capitol on Oct. 10 and a letter from the Governor. In addition, she received the Years of Service award
for her dedicated service.

Monday, November 5 Governor's Public Safety
Awards at GPSTC
Friday, November 9 Open Enrollment Ends
Monday, November 12 HOLIDAY

"Thank you for

your selfless ser-

vice to the great

state of Georgia."

-Brian Owens

Commissioner

Pamela Rittweger

Glen Appling

30 Years of Service

28 Years of Service

Pam Rittweger retired from the Department on September 26, 2012. Pam received the Years of Service award for her dedicated service.

Glen Appling retired from the Department on October 25, 2012. Glen received the Years of Service award for his dedicated service.

Retirees of the Quarter

<10 Years of Service Julie Frey, Brunswick PC Bonnie Hardeman, Phillips SP Emmit Johnson, Long SP David Maddox, GDCP Tosha Parker, Central SP
<15 Years of Service Lora Burkhalter, Montgomery SP Jerry Claxton, Johnson SP Sharon Drake, Arrendale SP Lee Ellison, Cobb PC Llowyan Forde, Smith SP Peter Gay, Treutlen PDC Charlene Hall, Telfair SP Paul Hobbs, Coastal SP Marsha Holland, GDCP Jimmy Hunter, Johnson SP Lee Johnson, Stone Mtn PC Kenneth Lee, Macon PC Tony Neesmith, Inmate Const. Dianne Porter, Purchasing Donald Rabitsch, Emanuel PDC Patricia Riggs, Piedmont PC Robert Roberts, Phillips SP Dixie Smith, Appling PRC John Wynn, Coastal SP
<20 Years of Service Lynn Barney, Lee SP

Kenneth Bostick, Southern PC Lawrence Bryant, ASMP Fred Carter, Hays SP Walter Gilbert, GSP George Harmon, ASMP Matthew Lau, Hays SP Michael Lemon, ASMP Willie Mathis, Augusta DRC Carolyn Maybach, Mountain PC Leroy McKennie,Washington SP David Roberts, Phillips SP Olan Strickland, Smith TC Deryl Wood, GSP
<25 Years of Service Delainie Collins, Rogers SP Kay Anderson, Conasauga PC Richard Davidson, Hays SP James Decarufel, Paulding PDC Annette Dotson, GSP Ruby Ferrell, ASMP ML Fortson, Rutledge SP Clarence Greene, Baldwin SP Gregory Hall, Hays SP Ronald Hopkins, Hays SP William Jakes, Phillips SP Terry Lucas, Arrendale SP Stacy Rinehart, Hays SP Richard Sharp, Hays SP Joel Smith, Alcovy PC

Judy Thrift, GSP Lawrence Tindall, Ware SP Jerry Towns, Bleckly PDC Kenneth Vaughn, Emanuel PDC Chester Welchel, Engineering
<30 Years of Service Dewey Alverson, Gwinnett PC Thomas Barron, GDCP Crawford Battle, Compliance & Audits William Blackburn, Training Terrence Burch, Central SP William Chapman, Walker SP Bobby Cooper, Baldwin SP Patricia Daniel, Dodge SP Sandra Diggins, ASMP Peggy Elliott, Toombs PC Nell English, Middle PC Kenneth Goodman, GDCP Hilton Hall, Central Office Dorothy Haller, Central Office Cynthia Hallman, Smith SP James Hammock, Arrendale SP Nathan Handberry, Baldwin SP Patti Hendrix, Blue Ridge PC Luke Howard, GSP Buster King, Central Office Jerry Kitchens, Hancock SP James Long, Flint PC

Silas Lucas, Dodge SP Michael Murray, Smith SP Glenda Riner, Middle PC Edgar Rodriguez, Smith TC Travis Sanders, GSP Dana Smith, GDCP Virginia Smith, Central SP Montress Walker. ASMP Johnny Young, Washington SP
31+ Years of Service Delois Brown, Planning & Analysis Tina Cobb, Bell Forsyth PC Frank Ellis, Cordele PC Linda Heath, Baldwin SP Diann Lawrence, Telfair SP Deborah Lundy, Rome PC Robert Pilgrim, Southern PC Audrey Rea, Business Processes Pamela Rittweger, Atlanta PC Paulette Robbins, Hancock SP Marvin Smith, Hancock SP

Tuesday-Wednesday, November 13-14 Senior Leadership
Off-Site in Reidsville Saturday, November 17
3rd Annual GDC Motorcycle Ride for SCCP
Thursday-Friday November 22-23
HOLIDAY Monday-Friday November 26-30 Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment Academy
youtube.com/user/ GACorrections
facebook.com/georgiacorrections

4

DRC Lite Program Opens

Contributed by Betsy Thomas, DRC Lite Program Coordinator

from Gov. Nathan Deal for this Justice Reinvestment pilot program. The program will assist circuits that cannot support a physical Day Reporting Center within their community to treat offenders who suffer from substance abuse.

This program will provide programming in areas that do not have any or very limited counseling services. Counseling is divided into three Phases.

In the first Phase, offenders are taught Motivation for Change and Reentry Skills Building. Phase 1 lasts approximately 2 months.

During this phase, offenders will be-

Newly Trained DRC Lite Counselors at State Offices South gin to positively change their behavior

at Tift College, October 24th

and examine themselves and their

The Department of Corrections

lives. The Reentry Skills Building

announces the roll out of the Day

course is designed to teach offend-

Reporting Center Lite (DRC Lite) pro- ers life skills, such as organization,

gram in seven rural circuits around

work ethics, money management,

the State on Nov. 5th.

family and friend relationships as well

as ways to successfully live under

The Department received $750,000

supervision.

Phase 2 consists of Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) and Matrix Substance Abuse Counseling and will last 3-6 months. This phase is self-paced and the level of success depends solely on the offender and his or her motivation. Matrix Counseling is designed to help offenders begin the process of substance abuse recovery through cognitive behavioral evidenced based curriculum.
Phase 3 consists of an Aftercare program, a support group for the offender, that lasts 2-6 months.
The Probation division plans to reduce the number of probation revocations due to drug usage and help offenders become drug free law abiding citizens through the implementation of this program.
The seven participating circuits are as follows:
Alapaha Circuit - Cook, Berrien, Lanier, Atkinson, Clinch counties

Images Across The State

Appalachian Circuit - Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens counties Cordele Circuit - Dooly, Crisp, Wilcox, Ben Hill counties
Mountain Circuit - Rabun, Habersham, Stephens counties
Northern Circuit - Hart, Franklin, Madison, Oglethorpe, Elbert counties
Southwestern Circuit - Macon, Schley, Sumter, Stewart, Webster, Lee counties
Toombs Circuit - Wilkes, Lincoln, McDuffie, Warren, Glascock, Taliaferro counties
The eleven counselors are as follows: Shalonda Bell, Kylee Brown, Candra Speir, Ted Pinkard, Vanessa Thompson, Eric Jacobson, Martha Wade, Clay Garrett, Jennifer Brightwell, Shalita Shorty and Windsor Primous.

Pulaski State Prison

Augusta State Medical Prison

Hays State Prison

On Oct. 18th, staff held a "wear pink" contest in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Smith State Prison
RAISED $492 in support of one of their coworkers who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. The money was raised through a Bake Sale in the month of October.

On Oct. 10th, ASMP wore Pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

MISSION The Department of Corrections creates a safer Georgia
by effectively managing offenders and providing
opportunities for positive change

VISION To be recognized as the best corrections organization in the nation.

On Oct. 24th, staff supported the fight against breast cancer. The facility's Faith & Character based dorm assisted in providing pink ribbons
for all staff to wear.
Lee Arrendale State Prison
On Oct. 10th, staff held a luminary sale in honor and in memory of family and friends touched by cancer. Proceeds from the purchase of the luminaries were donated to Susan G. Komen in support of Marsha Black, Operations Manager.
BRIAN OWENS Commissioner
PUBLIC AFFAIRS Joan Heath Director
Gwendolyn Hogan Managing Editor

Dabney Weems Public Relations & Information Specialist