Dear Colleague:

During the hostage siege of January 2004, the many men and women of the Arizona Department of Corrections came together to secure the safe release of our staff and peaceful surrender of the two inmate hostage takers. As one seamless team statewide you successfully resolved the 15-day taking of the Morey tower at ASPC-Lewis, all the while operating with excellence every correctional complex in the system. Your outpouring of concern and support for your colleagues sustained the agency and moved the entire country. That event demonstrated as plainly as any in this state's history that you are this agency's most important asset.

Nearly a year has passed and a considerable number of reforms is underway to improve the operation of our correctional complexes and to enhance your standing as this state's correctional professionals. Next Wednesday, January 19, we plan to come together again, this time to participate in an Employee Recognition and Facility Rededication Ceremony to remember and to recognize your contributions throughout the hostage taking from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the administrative parking lot at ASPC-Lewis. We hope that those of you who are interested in and able to come, will do so. Please check with your Warden or section head about attending and travel arrangements.

Without the dedicated service of all Arizona Department of Corrections employees, this agency could not fulfill its core mission. Your contributions to public safety make a meaningful, measurable difference in the lives of Arizonans across the state. We are reaching an important milestone in our department's history through your efforts. At this crossroads, it is only fitting that we recognize your work over the past year and mark your progress as we move closer to flagship status.


Sincerely,
Dora Schriro
Director