 The winners were chosen from a field of 50 nominees, who were
nominated for the award by their colleagues. The overall winner was
chosen by the departments' executive staff.Walker and Friedenauer
commended the efforts of front-line staff within their respective
agencies.
"In every decision we make and in every action we take, safety is
at the forefront of our operations," Walker said. "This fine group
of men and women serve with steadfast commitment in fulfilling the
mission of the Illinois Department of Corrections."
"The department is committed to providing treatment and
educational, vocational, social and emotional services to the
state's young offenders to help them get on the right track," said
Friedenauer. "The employees being recognized today are commended for
their support in this endeavor."
Nominations for this year's award come from officers recognized
at each of the state's 28 prisons, eight juvenile centers, eight
adult transition centers and five parole districts. This year's top
five front-line employees were presented with recognition letters
from the governor and IDOC and IDJJ directors and a $500 check from
the Employee Benefit Fund. The nominees are judged on leadership,
initiative, professionalism and service to their community and
career.
Employees receiving top honors during a ceremony at IDOC and IDJJ
General Headquarters in Springfield are:
Correctional Officer Michael Range of Stateville Correctional
Center
Range has an impeccable attendance record. He is currently
assigned to the Office of Overtime Equalization. Range does an
outstanding job in maintaining organization of the office, ensuring
all staff time usage issues are addressed and overtime information
is processed in a professional and timely manner. Range is always
willing to stop what he is doing to assist staff with problems and
questions concerning attendance or overtime issues.
Correctional Officer Vincente Nerio of Lincoln Correctional
Center
Nerio is admired by all staff and offenders for his positive
attitude and professional demeanor. Nerio is a self-motivated
employee who continuously takes the initiative to assist his fellow
staff members, often volunteering to assist with line movement,
escorting visitors and processing paperwork for signatures. Nerio's
willingness to assist staff with any task is admirable.
Correctional Residence Counselor I Gather Warnsley of Decatur
Adult Transition Center
Warnsley has been an outstanding employee with the agency. He
reports to his shift as scheduled with little use of sick time. His
coordinator duties, which he excels in at the center, include
responsibilities as bureau of identification coordinator and key and
lock and volunteer coordinator. He stepped in as a training and drug
testing coordinator and has done an outstanding job in handling
those positions. He has proven to be a valuable asset to the
facility.
Youth Supervisor II Kess Roberson of Illinois Youth
Center-Harrisburg
YSII Roberson is assigned to the confinement area on second
shift, which is a critical position at the facility. This post
requires a staff person with great knowledge, a positive attitude,
professionalism, teamwork and commitment. Roberson meets all of the
requirements to be assigned to this post. It is critical for this
post to have a youth supervisor with these requirements to be able
to deal with the difficult youth who are placed in confinement for
discipline issues and to be able to ensure that the safety and
well-being of the youth are met.
Senior Parole Agent Tina Butler of District 5
Butler's evaluations read like a tribute from every supervisor.
She is professional, dependable, dedicated, a proven leader and is
always there when you need someone. She assists supervisors, fellow
agents, clerical staff and people who need help, advice or counsel.
Butler has always approached her position with respect, dignity and
style, never allowing any of her personal feelings to interfere with
her sworn duty.
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