National Correctional Officers' Week, May 6-12

From the TDCJ Connections newsletter

In 1984 the U. S. Congress approved a resolution proclaiming the first full week of May as National Correctional Officers' Week. For nearly 30 years, correctional officers and correctional employees have been officially recognized for their hard work and personal sacrifice. Memorial ceremonies, employee appreciation days and other activities remind us that every year at this time, we set aside a week to remember and honor the dedicated service of all corrections staff.

This year's National Correctional Officers' Week takes place on May 6 through 12. TDCJ wardens throughout the system will conduct employee appreciation activities to recognize and applaud the efforts of all who work in corrections.

On May 11, TDCJ will honor those who were actively engaged in their duties at the time of their death with a solemn ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Texas Prison Museum. Survivors, family and co-workers of the fallen will gather to recognize those who were lost.

• Michael A. Jensen, Agriculture Specialist III, suffered a fatal heart attack while on horseback and supervising four offenders who were working horses at the Wynne Unit.

• Craig A. Orrell of the Connally Unit suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in annual in-service training.

• John T. Wilhite lost his life in a motor vehicle accident. He was a Safety Officer II assigned to the Region V Director's Office in Plainview.

The ceremony will begin with the Correctional Institutions Division's Honor Guard entrance. The newly-installed memorial bell, taken from the now-closed Central Unit, will be used in this and all future observances. TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston will be the keynote speaker.
In addition to the May 11 ceremony at the Texas Prison Museum, memorial services honoring those who lost their lives while on active duty will be held at TDCJ facilities across the state during National Correctional Officers' Week.

All TDCJ employees are encouraged to participate in the activities and ceremonies conducted during National Correctional Officers Week to the extent their schedules permit. Further coverage of these events will be included in the May/June issue of Connections.