Blagojevich administration recognizes Correctional Officers of the Year

Five Illinois Department of Corrections front-line employees receive top honors         

[MAY 7, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- On behalf of Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, Illinois Department of Corrections Director Roger Walker has recognized five outstanding front-line employees as 2005 Correctional Officers of the Year. The recognition ceremony on Wednesday came during Correctional Officer Week in Illinois, May 2-6.

"Through their professionalism, leadership and courage, these employees serve by example in protecting the public and enhancing the success of offenders who are re-entering into society," Gov. Blagojevich said.

Walker also commended the efforts of front-line staff and noted that the agency's main focus is to operate a safe and secure prison system.

"In every decision we make and in every action we take, safety is at the forefront of our operations," Walker said. "Today, it gives me great pride to honor the excellence of our front-line staff. This fine group of men and women face challenges every day with steadfast commitment."

The following five employees received top honors during a ceremony at the agency's headquarters in Springfield:

• Correctional Officer Tyrone Carter of Vandalia Correctional Center -- Carter is exceptionally knowledgeable regarding his duties and responsibilities. He consistently completes his assignments in a successful and professional manner while maintaining harmony and enthusiasm. He upholds a good relationship with his fellow employees and assists others when needed.

• Correctional Officer Angelita Hanson of Decatur Correctional Center -- Hanson works virtually every assignment at the center with little or no supervision and currently is assigned to the Industries Department. She always maintains a positive and professional attitude and a commendable attendance record. She works well with fellow staff members, offenders and the public.

• Youth Supervisor II Leonard DiFiore of Illinois Youth Center-St. Charles -- DiFiore can always be counted on to have a positive attitude and demeanor. He adapts well to change and has exceptional knowledge of automobiles and mechanics. He is assigned to the Statewide Transportation Unit and is a significant part of that team. His primary assignment is to perform security functions.

• Correctional Residence Counselor I Maxine Walker of Crossroads Adult Transition Center -- Walker has developed a reputation for firm, yet fair and consistent treatment of all center residents. She maintains a professional demeanor in her daily encounters with staff and residents.

• Parole Agent Shannon Champion of District 4 -- Champion chose to work with a specialized caseload of sex offenders and has maintained her caseload in an effective and efficient manner. She has an excellent rapport with the community and other law enforcement agencies. Because of her expertise in dealing with sex offenders, she is often asked to speak to various groups in the community.

This year's top five front-line employees were presented with recognition letters from the governor and the department director and a $500 check from the Employee Benefit Fund.

Nominations for this year's award come from officers recognized at each of the Department of Corrections' 27 state prisons, eight juvenile centers, eight adult transition centers and the parole districts. The nominees are judged on leadership, initiative, professionalism and service to their community and career.

Other facility nominees:

Women and Family Services Division

• Lincoln Correctional Center -- Sgt. Robert Polley
• Dwight Correctional Center -- Sgt. Sam Zito
• Illinois Youth Center-Warrenville -- Youth Supervisor II Chad Heriaud
• Illinois Youth Center-Pere Marquette -- Youth Supervisor II Byron Harris
• Fox Valley Adult Transition Center -- Correctional Residence Counselor I James Luttrell

Adult Division

• Big Muddy River Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Larry Provence
• Centralia Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer George Godoyo
• Danville Correctional Center -- Sgt. Eric Judy
• Dixon Correctional Center -- Sgt. Thomas Butler
• East Moline Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Doug Riggs
• Graham Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Kenneth Moore
• Hill Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Harold Stark
• Illinois River Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Chad Sappington
• Jacksonville Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Jodie Blackley
• Lawrence Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Paul Schnepper
• Logan Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Edward Baunach
• Menard Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Thomas Duvall
• Pinckneyville Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Christel Crow
• Pontiac Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Penny Salzman
• Robinson Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Terry McCleave
• Shawnee Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Michael W. Reeder
• Sheridan Correctional Center -- Sgt. Michael Windsor Sr.
• Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Richard McIntyre
• Stateville Correctional Center -- Sgt. Dorothy McKinney
• Tamms Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Frederick Madison
• Taylorville Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Angela Merano
• Vienna Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Jay McElmurry
• Western Illinois Correctional Center -- Correctional Officer Kenneth DeWitt

Juvenile Division

• Illinois Youth Center-Chicago -- Youth Supervisor II Fyshanda Johnson
• Illinois Youth Center-Harrisburg -- Youth Supervisor II Kenneth E. Riley
• Illinois Youth Center-Joliet -- Youth Supervisor II Kenneth Bacon
• Illinois Youth Center-Kewanee -- Youth Supervisor II Ken Hilgendorf
• Illinois Youth Center-Murphysboro -- Youth Supervisor II Tim Bowen

Adult transition centers

• Jessie "Ma" Houston ATC -- Correctional Residence Counselor II Rodella Morgan-Knazze
• North Lawndale ATC -- Correctional Residence Counselor I LaToya Ross
• Decatur ATC -- Correctional Residence Counselor I William Craig Appleby
• Peoria ATC -- Correctional Residence Counselor II Shawn Pardieck
• Southern Illinois ATC -- Correctional Residence Counselor I Mike Jennings

District parole offices

• District 1 -- Parole Agent Sandra Woodhouse
• District 3 -- Parole Agent David Farkas

[News release from the governor's office]