Lansing, Mich. — Correctional Officers Appreciation Week takes place May 3-9 in Michigan, highlighting the dedication and service of the department’s facility workforce and the essential role Michigan’s corrections officers play in maintaining public safety, supporting rehabilitation, and contributing to communities across the state.
“Our officers show up every day with teamwork, expertise, and professionalism,” said Heidi E. Washington, Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections. “Their work is often unseen but changes countless lives. I am incredibly proud of the men and women who take the oath to continue our legacy of service, and grateful for the dedication they bring to protecting our state.”
“Each day our corrections officers put their personal safety on the line to make our communities safer, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices and commitment,” said Deputy Director of the Correctional Facilities Administration Jeremy Bush. “This week’s recognition serves as a reminder of that work and provides an opportunity for every Michigander to appreciate the critical efforts of our workforce.
MDOC will host an Employee Appreciation Banquet on Thursday, May 7, recognizing the statewideCorrections Officer of the Year awardee, Joseph Perala from Baraga Correctional Facility and Dan Webb, Candice L. Dunn Parole and Probation Agent of the Year from Kalamazoo County. In addition, the night will honor each correctional facility’s Corrections Officer of the Year nominee along with Professional Excellence awardees from across the department.
The Michigan Department of Corrections securely operates 26 correctional facilities statewide, supervising approximately 32,000 incarcerated individuals and employs nearly 4,900 corrections officers. The department operates more than 100 additional parole and probation offices and employs a total of nearly 11,000 staff statewide.
The department is currently recruiting for the next Officer Recruit Training Academy which will begin in July. Residents who are interested in a career in corrections are encouraged to attend a recruitment event, apply online, or learn more at www.michigan.gov/mdocjobs.
