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Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice recognize Correctional Officers of the Year for 2008

Five front-line employees awarded top honors

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[May 07, 2008] SPRINGFIELD -- At a ceremony in Springfield on Tuesday, Illinois Department of Corrections Director Roger E. Walker Jr. and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Acting Director Kurt Friedenauer honored five outstanding front-line employees as 2008 Correctional Officers of the Year.

The winners were chosen from a field of 51 staff members who were nominated by their colleagues. The overall winners were chosen by the executive staff of the departments.

Walker and Friedenauer commended the efforts of front-line staff within their respective agencies.

"In recognizing excellence during Correctional Officers' Week, and in recognizing correctional workers, your contributions extend well beyond prison walls," Walker said. "Many of you are leaders in your communities, and many of you have served our country. You bring distinction to the job each and every day and we thank you for that. Through this steadfast support, IDOC continues to meet the challenges in operating one of the safest, largest prison systems in the nation."

"The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice is committed to providing treatment and educational, vocational, social and emotional services to the state's young offenders to assist them in becoming responsible adults," said Friedenauer. "The employees being recognized today are commended for their commitment and support in this goal."

Nominations for this year's award recognize front-line staff 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 the ceremony at IDOC and IDJJ General Headquarters in Springfield were:

Sisawat Singmuongthong, correctional officer at Sheridan Correctional Center

Singmoungthong is a primary training instructor for Sheridan, delivering all aspects of cycle and firearms training. He serves on the tactical response team and has served in statewide tactical functions, transporting high-level inmates through the state and responding to tactical callouts.
Lynn Hodge, correctional officer at Dwight Correctional Center

Hodge continually shows her leadership skills, vast knowledge and versatility, allowing her to be assigned to any position and completing any task that is asked of her. She volunteers ways to improve methods, techniques and daily operations. She has established an outstanding, dependable and solid work ethic and has gained respect from her peers.
Jonathan Stewart, Correctional Residence Counselor I, of Southern Illinois Adult Transition Center

Stewart maintains an exemplary work record and has not used any sick time in more than 12 years. He has a professional rapport with staff and inmates, and his appearance is neat and professional. His constant, steady demeanor maintains the highest standards.

James Stiers, parole agent, of the Sex Offender Supervision Unit, District 2

Stiers sets high standards for himself and sets a good example as a manager. He is self-motivated in his day-to-day operation. He has coordinated the establishment of a sex offender treatment group in LaSalle County, where none has previously existed. This alone has assisted parolees who live in that area and also the U.S. Probation Department, allowing their probationers to use the services of the offender therapist.
Dario Gonzalez, Youth Supervisor II, of Illinois Youth Center-Joliet

Gonzalez began his career at IYC-Joliet in 1996 and has worked several posts as a YS II including the WRIT team, institutional screening, assignment supervisor, fire safety officer, intelligence and investigator, drug and alcohol testing, SCBA and respirator maintenance, toxic substance abuse coordinator, and Spanish speaking and reading interpreter. His attendance is excellent, and he wears his uniform with pride and dignity. He is a team player and leads by example. Counseling staff describe him as instrumental in assisting youth who are hesitant to listen to reason, in making common-sense decisions regarding their future plans.

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