ADC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Department honors contributions of Hispanic employees

October 10, 2006

The Arizona Department of Corrections honored its Hispanic employees at the second annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration October 10 at the Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington Street, Phoenix.

“We want to take this opportunity to spotlight the great work of our Hispanic employees,” ADC Director Dora Schriro said. “Their dedication and commitment as corrections professionals is instrumental to keeping the ADC flagship sailing on its mission to serve the public safety of Arizona.”

Commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month, the ceremony highlighted the exemplary contributions of the more than 2,650 Hispanic employees, who comprise nearly 29 percent of ADC’s workforce and serve at all levels within the department.

Special guest speakers at the event included Director Schriro, Office of the Governor Intergovernmental Affairs Director Anna Maria Chavez and Arizona Representative Ben Miranda and ADC Support Services Director Charles Goldsmith.

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson first established National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration from September 15 to October 15 each year.

Singled out for praise, Director Schriro presented Dudley Do-Right Awards to 17 employees, who had been nominated by their peers.

Award recipients included:

CO IV Tomas Ayala

ASPC-Yuma, Dakota Unit

Tomas Ayala was just 17 years old when he joined the United States Army where he served 10 years, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant specializing in military intelligence.  In 1990, he served in Desert Storm in Iraq.  While in the military he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding achievement and service. During this time, Tomas also earned his bachelors degree in criminal.

Tomas joined ADC in 2000 working at Yuma as a Correctional Officer II at the Cheyenne Unit.  He promoted to Correctional Officer III the following year.  Tomas reached his current position as CO IV in 2004 where he has been recognized as Employee of the Month and Quarter, and Non-Uniformed Employee of the Year.

Tomas’s current focus is developing an innovative inmate management model that merges elements of Direct Supervision and Unit Management, and phased incentives, to supervise inmates on a Close Custody yard.

Tomas served as an Equal Opportunity Liaison for a year, effectively handling numerous employees. Never stopping, he’s sought specialized training in mediation.

As the local coordinator for the State Employee Charitable Campaign, Thomas helped to raise a record $51,000 for the complex. 

Interests outside of ADC include operating a small café and English language school in Mexico. At his church, Tomas coordinates youth athletic programs.  

If not all that is enough, Tomas serves as the vice-president of the AZCOPS local chapter. He’s an active four-year member of American Correctional Association.  In his spare time he earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix last November.

Eddie Gonzalez

Bakery Production Manager

Arizona Correctional Industries at ASPC-Eyman

ACI Production Manager Eddie Gonzalez began his career with the department in April 1996. Today, he makes magic at ASPC-Eyman Bakery where he manages one of the department's most successful enterprises with revenue in excess of $3.2 million in FY06.  In the course of day he oversees a 24-hour 5-day-a-week operation spanning three shifts and employing more than 100 inmate workers yielding 150,000 plus hours of production every year.  The Bakery also leads the way in quality assurance, a new initiative at ADC ensuring great products at great prices. The Bakery's exceptional performance was instrumental in the department recent recognition earning the Arizona Quality Alliance's (AQA) prestigious Showcase in Excellence Award. 

Eddie is always seeking opportunities to expand the Bakery's business and generate more revenue in 2007.  His diligence and good humor were recognized by his peers and supervisors who selected him as the 2005 ACI Employee of the Year.

Captain Gilbert Cancio

ASPC-Lewis, Barchey Unit

Captain Gilbert Cancio has served ADC with distinction for nearly 19 years starting as a CO II at ASPC-Tucson, moving and making a difference at Phoenix Arizona Center for Women and then ASPC-Perryville, Florence, Eyman and Lewis. At every location, Captain Cancio’s mastery of the Spanish language has helped him to communicate effectively with the large population of Mexican National inmates and assist their families when they come to visit. 

Our Captain Cancio joined ADC as an already seasoned officer who had served with the United States Marine Corps for more than 21 years, most recently as Major.  During his military career, Major Cancio was stationed at the Artic Circle and the South Pole earning him membership in the “Blue Nose” and “Golden Shellback” club. While in the service, he also earned a masters degree in criminal justice. 

Captain Cancio is a master at raising unit morale where he’s known for celebrating security staff’s expert marksmanship with specially designed plaques, and a loaf of his wife’s homemade banana bread. Speaking of Sue, his wife of 40+ years, they enjoy participating in local and federally sanctioned shooting competitions.

CO II Chris Corona

COTA

Officer Chris Corona has worked for the Department for the past 13 years at ASPC-Lewis and Tucson before transferring to COTA.  During his career he has successfully supervised inmates from varied posts including housing management, perimeter security and inmate transportation.

Chris continues to support prison staffing efforts assisting the ASPC-Tucson Transportation Unit whenever needed.  He’s also just one of three staff eligible to certify Commercial Drivers License (CDL) drivers for the Department.  He often takes the extra steps to ensure transportation staff is current with certifications; he’s even filled in during the recent absence of the facility coordinator.  In addition to all of his other duties, he schedules facility activities and coordinates food service contract requirements for monthly billing. CO Corona’s high work standards are reflected in the supervision of the inmate work program at COTA whose work performance is also superb.

Lieutenant Guadalupe Florez    

ASPC-Eyman, Complex Operations                                                       

Lieutenant Guadalupe Florez joined in 1974 as a CO II at ASPC-Florence, promoting to lieutenant just three years later. He is currently assigned to Operations at ASPC-Eyman Special Management Unit II.   During his 33-year career with the department, all of it spent at both prisons in Florence, he has been regularly recognized for his expertise in security operations and is frequently called upon to assist with peer audits.   He is also a member of the Safety Committee.  

Our lieutenant is actively involved in the community of Florence where he has coached the little league baseball team - "the best in the west" he says – for over 22 years including the past eight when his son joined him. Now the father and son coaching-duo also run a baseball camp for underprivileged children, providing them with instruction and equipment.  Lieutenant Guadalupe hopes to retire at the same time as his son, Corrections Officer II Guadalupe Florez Jr., becoming the first father and son to retire from ADC together.

Sergeant Steve Gallardo

COTA

Sergeant Gallardo began his career 17 years ago as a Correctional Officer at ASPC-Winslow before transferring to ASPC-Tucson where he is a member of the Tucson Tactical Support Unit and serves as the COTA senior firearms instruction.  He is instructor-certified for various lesson plans and is one of just two staff qualified to instruct the Basic Armorer School. 

Sergeant Gallardo is always willing to accept additional assignments including coordination of the Annual Tactical Field Training Exercise and Radio Custodian.  In the absence of the assigned Armory Sergeant, Sergeant Gallardo willingly assumed responsibility for all the COTA weapons.  Sergeant Gallardo recognizes the need to maintain his skills and regularly volunteers for duties at ASPC-Tucson. His positive influence and gentle leadership as a COTA Class Sergeant has made a real difference in lives of others where he’s mentored many cadets who have successfully graduated and enjoyed successful careers in corrections. 

Dr. Maria Carmen Gonzalez

Quality Assurance Manager

Programs Division, Bureau of Counseling and Treatment

Dr. Maria Carmen Gonzalez came to ADC just a year ago in 2005 to serve as the Department’s Quality Assurance Manager in the Bureau of Counseling and Treatment Services (CTS) and what a year it has been! The quality assurance manager is a newly created position at ADC, its purpose to review programming quality, implementation and documentation, and service delivery hours to comply with licensure and accreditation requirements. In this role, Carmen works with grace with the three units in CTS – Mental Health, Addiction Treatment Services and Sex Offender Treatment. Dr. Gonzalez has quickly found ways to improve the bureaus operations for example, the development of the daily encounter log enabling CTS to gather data on staff activity to get a better picture of the services ADC provides.

In addition to her work with the Bureau, Dr. Gonzalez has played an active role contributing to the successful resolution of several critical situations this past year developing psychological profiles leading to the safe release of an officer who was held hostage at ASPC-Tucson and the peaceful capture of several escapees.  

Robert Herrera

Occupational Safety Consultant III

ASPC-Safford, Complex Operations

Occupational Safety Consultant Herrera serves as the Lead Fire Safety Officer for the complex, training inmates in structural fire fighting procedures and ensuring the prison complies with all OSHA safety standards. 

A 20-year veteran of the department, he is a positive, dependable presence.  Mr. Herrera works closely with the Department’s Domestic Preparedness Committee.  He is a certified ADC instructor, as well as an instructor for the Graham County Community Emergency Response Team.  When he’s not working he is actively involved in community activities and enjoys coaching a little league team.

Yolanda Martinez

Accounting Tech

COTA

Yolanda Martinez recently embarked on her second career with ADC as an Accounting Technician for the Staff Development and Training Bureau after retiring from ASPC-Tucson as a Deputy Warden at the Santa Rita Unit.  Yolanda began her first career with ADC in 1985 as a Correctional Officer rapidly promoted to positions of greater responsibility including Correctional Officer IV, Associate Deputy Warden and Deputy Warden at ASPC-Douglas and Tucson. 

Vince Nicasio

Special Investigator Supervisor

ASPC-Yuma, Criminal Investigations Unit

With 24 exceptional years in law enforcement, Vince Nicasio now serves as the Special Investigator Supervisor for the Criminal Investigations Unit.  Mr. Nicasio started his career with the Arizona Department of Corrections back in April 1998. 

Last year, Mr. Nicacio responded to a fellow ADC employee who was involved in a traffic accident in Mexico and had sustained serious injuries. The employee, a CO, was being held pending an investigation by Mexican authorities. After helping his family make  bond release arrangements, Investigator Nicasio also interceded to clear up complications with his release and return to the US when the officer’s wallet and identification were lost in the aftermath. Mr. Nicasio contacted numerous government officials to make the necessary arrangements.

Luz Rabago

Administrative Assistant I

ASPC-Tucson, Education

Luz Rabago joined ADC as a clerk typist in Tucson’s Education section in 2004, quickly advancing to Administrative Assistant II, striving to achieve her career goal of becoming an Administrative Assistant III.

Luz, originally from Sonora, Mexico, has been in the US since 1986. She attends college hoping to earn an associate’s degree in office administration by next year.  Her hard work and determination is further exemplified by the 200 hours of “sweat equity” she has dedicated to Habitat for Humanity to repay them for a house she was provided. Because Luz was so excited about getting the house, she's already completed all of her “sweet equity,” as she calls it. In the future, Luz expects to give back to Habitat for Humanity by donating her time to this organization.

Amelia Rodriguez

Administrative Assistant I

ASPC-Florence, Business Office

Amelia Rodriguez, affectionately known as Molly, began working at ADC 34 years ago.  Mrs. Rodriguez is frequently referred to as the best Risk Management resource in the state and is often called upon to train others, which she does so willingly.  Her knowledge and vast experience includes accounting, inmate trust accounts, inmate payroll, staff payroll, travel, risk management and indigent status. 

CO II Herminio Rodriguez

ASPC-Yuma, Cheyenne Unit

Officer Herminio Rodriguez joined ADC in 2003 as a 24-year veteran of the Marine Corps retiring as Master Sergeant, a 7-year detention officer with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and 1-year substitute teacher. 

During his military career, Officer Rodriguez received numerous awards.  One he is especially proud, the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. He was only one of ten who were awarded this prestigious medal for providing flood relief during the Vietnam War.

Our guy is a single parent who raised his three older children, coaching his sons in football and baseball and serving as an assistant Den Father to his oldest daughter’s Girl Scout Troop. He also volunteers at his stepdaughter’s school where he assists with the band, choir and taking the children on field trips. Now he is taking courses at the local junior college. Officer Rodriguez also serves on a Special Needs Committee to preserve the Wetlands Park in Yuma.

CO III Ruth Sanchez

ASPC-Douglas, Papago Unit

CO III Ruth Sanchez, a 20-year veteran of the Department, exhibits today the very same enthusiasm a brand new employee evidences just embarking on her career.   

CO III Sanchez began working as a CO in 1985 at ASPC-Douglas Mohave Unit working a variety of shifts in a number of assignments including visitation, mail and property, movement and substitute “Store Keeper” at the Complex Warehouse and she can be counted on to pitch in as a back-up officer for all of these positions. Also known for her “sharp appearance” in uniform; she’s been a model others strove to emulate and early in her career, she was featured in a departmental training film.

After several years in uniform Ruth promoted to CO III at ASPC-Lewis where she worked for 15 months as a caseload manager  before transferring back to Douglas 3 years ago to work as the as the “Best WIPP coordinator at Douglas, serving at the Papago Unit.  

CO III Sanchez has volunteered her time to several community projects. In 2005, she helped raise $900 to benefit a nearby school. This year she received special recognition for raising $650 during “Victims Rights Week.” Now she and other Papago Unit staff are donating $1,200 to Douglas’ House of Hope for battered women.

Ruth’s well deserved recognition includes Non-Uniform Employee of the Quarter in 2003, 2004 and 2006.

CO II Richard Santiago

ASPC-Tucson, Complex Security

Officer Santiago has been with the   Department since 1989.  Today he’s the Fence Crew Supervisor assigned to complex security ensuring all fencing and razor wires are intact to prevent escapes, supervising the work crew that repairs the fences for the entire complex.  Officer Santiago also is the acting supervisor for the Welding Shop when the supervisor is away. He also pitches in covering for different security posts. CO Santiago has been on the Critical Incident Response Team since 2001. 

In 2000 he founded a church in Tucson where he serves as pastor and each Friday, conducts a video ministry for his congregation.  Richard Santiago provides a compassionate focus to his responsibilities, treating all with the utmost respect.  

Valerie A. Stearns

Training Officer I

ASPC-Winslow

Training Officer I Valerie Stearns of ASPC-Winslow joined state service in 1986 immediately after high school starting as a clerk typist at Arizona Department of Economic Security.  In 1992 Ms. Stearns transferred to ADC promoting to Correctional Records Technician I at ASPC-Winslow.

Throughout her career, Valerie has contributed as correctional records supervisor, security operations secretary, secretary for the associate deputy warden, deputy warden of operations administrative secretary, acting training officer and administrative secretary III, administrative secretary III and now as Training Officer I since August 2005.  During her tenure Valerie has taken on a number of difficult tasks including for example, the coordination of internal audits for the complex in April 2005, a project encompassing regular briefings for the audit team, preparing audit paperwork/check lists, responding to team members concerns, reviewing audit results and compiling the findings for administrative review. Quite recently, Valerie changed her schedule to meet the facility's training requirements working graveyard shifts as needed to cover training and administer the NIMS testing.  She's also assisted the Winslow Police Department administer its NIMS testing.    

In 2001 and 2003, she was recognized for her participation in the City of Winslow's fund raisers, collecting food items and toys for underprivileged citizens.  In 2002, she was instrumental in coordinating a heartwarming celebration for deployed ADC staff and their families.

Patricia Yanez

Correctional Records Tech I

ASPC-Tucson/Offender Information Unit

Patricia Yanez, an exceptionally versatile employee, has worked for ADC since April 1996 when she was the ACI supervisor at the Manzanita Sewing Shop. During her tenure, she helped design the oh-so-stylish orange jumpsuits that inmates wear today.

When the Sewing Shop closed, she transferred to ACI’s Sign Shop as a supervisor where about a year later she was taken hostage.  Her exceptional interpersonal skills and steadfast resolve helped to free herself and a co-worker.  She was honored for her bravery with the department’s Medal of Valor Award. We are humbled still.

In 2002, she transferred to the Offender Information Unit as a Correctional Records Tech 1. Right now she serves us through the Offender Information Unit as a Correctional Records Tech I where she processes warrants and notifies Fugitive Services and Parole Offices when warrants are issued or served.  She also interfaces with Time Comp making certain every inmate is serving the correct amount of time.  Pat coordinates Board of Clemency phase 1 and 2 hearings, arranges transportation and completes the intake process for new inmates at the Minors Unit.  

Her experience as a hostage moved her to become involved in the Community Victims’ Advocate Program where she leads discussion groups and serves as a liaison for victims with the program.