Corrections_Today_July_August_2019_Vol.84_No.4

National Correctional Officers and Employees Week

Moving forward The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office celebrates their 150 th Anniversary with ACA Executive Director James A. Gondles, Jr.

I t was a special occasion as ACAExecutive Director James A. Gondles, Jr. gave a speech in honor of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office’s (ACSO) 150 th Anniversary. It was doubly special for Mr. Gondles to not only celebrate National Corrections Officers and Employ- ees Week, but to also celebrate the 150 th Anniversary as the former sheriff of Arlington County. This solidified the momentous occasion for all who were gathered on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 in Arlington, Virginia. The 25 th Anniversary of the Arlington County Deten- tion Facility (ACDF) was also celebrated with a ceremony that was aptly held in the facility with a carnival-themed staff appreciation lunch. “It was a great day to have two

celebrations; one just for us and the other as a nationwide community,” Sheriff Beth Arthur said. Arlington County was first presented with a county proclamation by County Board Member Matt de Ferranti, recognizing this week as the National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. They were then presented with a state proclamation by Delegate Patrick Hope and Senator Barbara Favola, recognizing the 150 th Anniversary of the ACSO and the 25 th Anniversary of the ACDF. Celebrating the essential work of these brave men and women is not only welcomed but cherished by all of us who share the same calling.

By Molly Law

Photo courtesy Arlington County VA Sheriff’s Office

In keeping with the spirit of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, ACA Executive Director James A. Gondles Jr. (center-left) poses with Sheriff Beth Arthur (center-right), along with the Arlington County Sheriff’s Honor Guard at their 150 th Anniversary celebration on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 in Arlington, VA.

48 — July/August 2019 Corrections Today