Sheriff's office honors officers

This year, National Correctional Officers and Employees Week will run from Sunday, May 5 – Saturday, May 11, 2024. Please join us in honoring the Correctional Officers and employees of the Hancock County Justice Center for the committed and professional service they provide to the citizens of Hancock County. Each of these individuals serve admirable to help keep you as citizens and our community safe. Their job is not simply to secure a facility and the people in it. Correctional officers and employees teach, train, mentor, preach, and cure. On May 5, 1984 then President of the United States of America Ronald Regan signed a proclamation which stated "Correctional officers have the difficult and often dangerous assignment of ensuring the custody, safety and well-being of the over 600,000 inmates in our Nation's prisons and jails. Their position is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control. "Historically, correctional officers have been viewed as "guards," occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails. In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill - simultaneously - custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections." The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 132, designated the week beginning May 6, 1984, as "National Correctional Officers Week," and authorized and requested that then President Ronald Regan issue an appropriate proclamation. Since 1984, the first full week in May has been recognized as National Correctional Officers and Employees week. Though the jobs of Correctional Officers and employees are often very challenging and at times stressful, those who serve the Hancock County Justice Center and the corrections profession everyday perform their duties well and with great pride. They are brave, courageous and tenacious individuals who put their lives and the health at risk every day to keep the public safe and provide a multitude of services to our facilities offenders. They have a tremendous responsibility, are often overlooked or under-appreciated and frequently scrutinized. Yet, they continue to serve honorably and excel. Correctional Officers and employees are most deserving of our respect, our gratitude and our highest praise. They are well trained, always on watch and prepared to meet any challenge. The men and women working in corrections at the Hancock County Justice Center are attentive, caring, and full of conviction. Please help us to commend those who are currently serving or those who have served as Corrections Officers and employees of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office in this most honorable profession. Sterrett is a jail administrative captain with the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.