Corrections_Today_March_April_2019

Executive Office

National Correctional Officers and Employees Week

May 5–11, 2019

Work ... unparalleled

Every year, since 1984, there has been a dedicated week for correctional officers. Former President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation that the first week of May be known as the National Correctional Officers Week. This dedication was a long overdue thank you to all correctional officers. Still, many knew, as the years passed, that correctional officers were not the only segment of our profession deserving of recognition. In 1996, Con- gress changed the name to the National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, thus including every person who serves in every aspect of corrections, past and present. As former President Ronald Regan said: “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.” This year the National Correctional Officers and Employees week, May 5-11, 2019, will be one unlike any other. Our extraordinary and dedicated men and women in corrections not only worked under the usual chal- lenging conditions of their chosen professions, but they worked, for a time, without the foreknowledge of even a paycheck. The longest and one of the most unprecedented government shutdowns in U.S. history affected gov- ernment workers everywhere. But it should be underscored that during the shutdown few professions faced more high-risk and perilous uncertainties than our own. The American Correctional Association unashamedly exhorts you to join us as we honor our profession. Yes, we will come together, celebrate, honor and proudly promote the field of corrections. But more importantly, we will once again affirm that those who came before, those who are here now and those who are yet to come, will forever represent a rare community of individuals whose work is unparalleled in the annals of American history. With the highest and honor and respect,

James A. Gondles Jr., CAE Executive Director

Gary C. Mohr President

Background photo istock/LoudRedCreative

58 — March/April 2019 Corrections Today