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 Have a great story idea? 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