Wright County Board Proclaims May 2-8 As Corrections Officers And Employees Week

St. Michael MN

29 April, 2021

6:04 AM

Description

Press release from the Wright County Government: April 28, 2021 At its April 27 meeting, the Wright County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to declare May 2-8 National Corrections Officers and Employees Week in Wright County. Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Kent Lipelt read a statement to the board explaining the role of corrections officers and employees to the operation of the Wright County Law Enforcement Center. "On May 5, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5187 creating National Corrections Officers Week in which he called upon officials of state and local governments and the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities to recognize the contributions of corrections officers to our nation," Lipelt said. "The first week of May has since been National Corrections Officers Week. "Correctional officers and employees are capable, committed, patient and persistent professionals. They serve admirably in correctional facilities all across the country as chaplains, teachers, counselors, supervisors, managers and directors. They help keep our citizens and communities safe. Correctional officers and employees teach, train, mentor, preach and cure. Though the job of correctional officers and employees is often very challenging, stressful and at times dangerous, the correctional officers who serve in Wright County every day perform their duties well and with great pride. They are brave, courageous and tenacious individuals who put their lives and health at risk every day to keep the public safe and provide a multitude of services to the offenders. "They have a tremendous responsibility and are owed our gratitude. Our Wright County correctional officers are most deserving of our respect, our thanks and our highest praise. They're well-trained, always on watch and prepared to meet any challenge. The men and women working in the Sheriff's Office Jail Division make a difference in our communities. They work with and manage more than 4,000 offenders a year in our county. Their abilities and reputation have allowed us to successfully work with multiple jurisdictions assisting them with overcrowding issues, along with disciplinary behavior management with problem inmates. "During the pandemic our correctional officers reported to work daily to work with our inmate population inside the jail. Since December 2020, we have administered more than 400 COVID tests. Due to the procedures that we established and our correctional officers' diligence, we have not have an outbreak in our jail. On behalf of the sheriff and the sheriff's command (staff), we commend those who work in the correctional profession." The County Board unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming May 2-8 as National Corrections Officers and Employees Week in Wright County, thanking them for their dedication and service to the residents of Wright County. This press release was produced by the Wright County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.