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Media Relations Office:
Fox-10's Linda Williams
Hosts ADC
Several exceptional ADC employees were honored at an event recognizing Black History Month. Employees of the Arizona Department of Corrections, community leaders and Arizona legislators gathered for the ceremony, held on February 27 at Phoenix's George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. Fox 10 News Anchor Linda Williams emceed the event. Speakers were ADC Director Dora Schriro, Arizona State Representative Leah Landrum-Taylor (District 16), Greater Phoenix Urban League Director of Community and Job Development Mel Hannah, and Governor Napolitano's Director of Cabinet Affairs and Special Projects Diane Saunders.
Several entertainers performed as well, including violinist Constance Lee (daughter of Chaplin Samuel Lee), singer and recent "Arizona Idol" contestant Bethany Wright and the Dulce Dance Company. Additionally, Correctional Officers Katina Breckenridge and Larry Brown sang the National Anthem and "Lift Every Voice and Sing," also known as the Black National Anthem. The event was catered by ASPC-Perryville's Desert Rose Cafe. In an email to staff, Director Schriro said "Today, African-Americans serve with distinction throughout the Arizona Department of Corrections, at headquarters, in our correctional facilities and in the field, filling key positions and critical posts in each of the three divisions. While the percentage of African Americans living in Arizona is about three percent, African Americans make up almost six percent of our workforce and their contributions are considerable. I'm proud to highlight several of the department's exceptional correctional professionals."
The event concluded after 14 ADC staff members were awarded ADC's Dudley Do-Right Award. This award recognizes employees who have been "caught doing the right thing," and recipients are nominated by their fellow employees. Below is a list of recipients and Director Schriro's comments. Correctional Officer Larry Brown Larry Brown is a valuable asset to the Lewis Complex Barchey Unit and to the Arizona Department of Corrections. He has a wealth of job experience, which he willingly shares with his peers every day. Officer Brown is also a motivating force to the people on his shift. He can always be heard giving words of encouragement and praise. COII Brown began employment at Barchey Unit in November 2000. He is a leader on the shift he works, he directs new staff in learning the responsibilities of the unit and the job completed by AM shift. He is assigned to either tower (a specialty skill position) or as a lead yard set. In these two positions he is responsible for ensuring 1,000 inmates (in an orderly manner and without incident) go to meals, education and programming opportunities. He directly supervises 200 plus inmates who are at recreational activities and performing work assignments within the unit. COIII Brown continues to lead his fellow officers though his example and dedication to the department. Officer Brown also volunteers his time and talent to singing at various events for the complex and the Department. His stirring rendition of America the Beautiful has been heard at many functions, as well as during a halftime performance at a Phoenix Suns basketball game, which he auditioned for and was selected to be the game night singer – quite an honor! David Eagles, Employee Relations Representative David Eagles began working for the department in 1998 as a correctional officer. He was promoted in 2006 as an employee relations representative working with staff and management on a variety of work-related issues ranging from pay, health and employment. His other profession in life involves a spiritual calling that that has been a driving force in his life for the past 30 years. He serves as a non-paid, ordained minister for the Valley Cathedral Christian Church. David also serves on a Chaplains Training Board comprised of various church leaders and ministers who serve members in institutions such as hospitals, prisons and corporations. Last September, David was selected to help in the aid of Katrina victims, primarily to offer assistance and guidance to a young man who had just arrived in Arizona and was staying at the coliseum shelter. David willingly began immediate intervention by transporting the Katrina refugee to and from the coliseum to various organizations. He was also instrumental in locating the man’s wife and daughter who thought he was deceased. David will never forget the moment of elation when the family torn apart by tragedy was reunited. With David’s assistance in making contacts and interview appointments, the victim found employment at the State Hospital as a medical health technician where he remains employed. David has been a CIRT Member since September 2005 and was selected as a Team Leader in January 2006. Lieutenant Francis Hawkins The department in 2001 hired Lt. Francis Hawkins. She quickly promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in June 20006. Last month, Correctional Officer II Michael Olynick of ASPC-Eyman was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in significant injuries to both he and his wife. News of the accident traveled fast and when Lt. Hawkins, heard about it she immediately came to the aid of her fellow officer. Lt. Hawkins worked tirelessly to help the family, including processing leave and insurance benefits. She spent many hours spearheading a fundraiser to raise much-needed funds for the officer. Additionally, she was actively involved in securing donated leave hours to offset the officer’s time off during his recovery period. She remains involved in making sure that their needs are being met. Her co-workers have recognized her unselfish devotion to this family and they have wholeheartedly expressed their appreciation for her acts of kindness. Lt. Hawkins is instrumental in encouraging her fellow officers to work extra hours if needed. She puts in a lot of effort in pre-planning schedules so that staff do not have to work overtime. According to Deputy Warden Carl Toers, she is a strong team builder who treats all her colleagues fairly. She often assumes the informal role of a mediator in resolving issues among staff before they escalate and become serious. She is a subject matter expert in roster management and post orders. CO III Rodney Kepney CO III Rodney Kepney of ASPC-Lewis was selected Employee of the Month for his considerable skill in maintaining harmonious relations at the Bachman Unit where the inmate population is quite diverse. He has received numerous compliments from inmates, inmate families and the general public. He has steadfastly and expertly handled two case loads about 300 inmates in all, and still manages to coordinate athletic events for the Unit. CO III Kepney started his career with the Arizona Department of Corrections as a correctional officer in 1998 then promoted to sergeant. He left the department for a short time, was reinstated and quickly promoted to CO III. According to his supervisor, Deputy Warden Johnson, he is a tireless worker who pitches in at a moment's notice no matter how big or small the task. Per DW Johnson, his only flaw is that he is a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers Football fan. Chaplain Samuel Lee, Jr. Chaplain Samuel Lee, Jr. worked for nine years as an ADC correctional officer before assuming the responsibilities of the Florence Prison chaplain in 1991. While he was a correctional officer he saw that inmates had an unmet need for spirituality in their lives. As the prison chaplain the past six years, he works hard to hold inmates accountable, pressing them to conduct themselves congruent with their religious beliefs. He a terrific teacher when it comes to disseminating information about life skills such as securing employment and saving money. A measure of his success is the frequent reports he receives from former inmates he counseled who are now succeeding in their communities. Chaplain Lee is also the Equal Opportunity representative at the prison. When he is not working in the prison, he serves as the assistant minister for a church in Chandler. Lionel Lowe, Correctional Education Program Teacher Lionel is an experienced educator having taught both adult and juvenile inmates who has worked for the department since September 1993. In his current assignment at ASPC-Phoenix , he brings a high degree of positive energy to the classroom. His caring nature and natural charm are infectious and permeates the classroom environment allowing for a positive learning experience. Lionel brings the same amount of zeal to his personal commitment to the community by volunteering his time to teach youth at risk. Furthermore, Lionel on an ongoing basis donates food and other items to the St. Vincent DePaul charity. Lionel is a valuable asset to the department and community in which he lives. In the latter part of 2005, one of the staff members responsible for conducting the intake testing at ASPC-Phoenix went out with an unforeseen medical issue and has yet to return. Lionel recognizing the importance of the intake testing process that ensures appropriate placement of inmates in Education, Substance Abuse Programs, Religion, etc. was quick to step in and assist. Without hesitation, he adjusted his work schedule so that this important task was completed in a timely and meticulous manner. Furthermore, due to Lionel's experience and flexibility he is relied upon as a relief for other teachers. Lionel was recently recognized with an award for his contributions to the GED program at ASPC-Phoenix. In addition to the volunteer tutoring of at risk children, Mr. Lowe also raises money for multiple sclerosis. CEPM Tim Byrnes who has known Lionel for more than 10 years said he is a positive and diligent worker who will always go the extra mile for his students. Sergeant James Nash Sgt James Nash, a RUSH recruiter, works tirelessly to enlist new security staff to join the ranks of the Arizona Department of Corrections. On a typical day he engages 20-30 potential applicants encouraging them to pursue a career with ADC. After a 22-year career with the U.S. Navy, Nash was hired by ADC in January 2000 as a correctional officer before advancing to the rank of sergeant in June 2005. He is also a certified trainer who instructs new ADC cadets in self-defense. He enjoys his interactions with COTA cadets and strives to guide them to achieve excellence in their careers in corrections. When he is not working, Sgt. Nash enjoys competing in track and field events. He has consistently placed in the medal category in the Police and Fire and the Grand Canyon State Games. His supervisors all agree that he represents the department with pride, which is just what is needed to recruit excellent applicants. Sergeant Larry Phillips Sgt Phillips is a retired Master Sergeant with 20 years of exemplary service with the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Phillips began his career with the department in May 1998 as a correctional officer assigned to complex. In April 2005, Larry Phillips was promoted to Correctional Sergeant and assigned to the Dakota Unit. Sgt Phillips is a certified firearms instructor, self-defense instructor and assistant TSU commander. His motivation and initiative provides a positive example to staff. Among his many talents, Sgt Phillips also instructs martial arts to the youth in the community. He divides his time among his duties at the prison, his personal life and his unwavering commitment to the community. Correctional Officer II Neal Stubbs Correctional Officer II Neal Stubbs of ASPC-Florence hails from New York where working in law enforcement is a family affair. His father worked in the NYCDOC on Rikers Island, a brother works in another prison facility and an uncle who is a district court judge. Officer Stubbs is a 13-year veteran of ADC who has served in the Special Management Unit and North Unit and currently, supervises inmate work crews. He has also helped recruit new officers, lending his assistance at job fairs. CO Stubbs has taught new recruits at COTA and the regional academies as well, his favorite assignment because there, he said, he can make a positive difference in their careers. Officer Stubbs also competes in the annual law Enforcement Torch Run and gives regularly to charitable causes. Off duty, he enjoys buying and selling classic cars. Correctional Officer II Erma Sweet Erma Sweet has been a Correctional Officer at the Arizona State Prison Complex - Winslow, since 1997 working in many capacities including her most recent position as the Supply Officer in Operations. CO II Sweet uses her innovative skills to maximize resources with a limited amount of available funds. She conscientiously ensures accurate inventory of supplies; toilet paper, paper towels, etc, to safeguard against excessive use. CO II Sweet has been actively involved in the Winslow Tactical Support Unit for the past 6 years, and is one of three females assigned to this elite unit. CO II Sweet takes her duties seriously. She frequently wears several hats; ensuring that the Capital J-O-B is done! She is a Field Training Officer, Instructor Certified and has been selected as a member of the Cadre’ training team in Winslow. Additionally, CO II Sweet consistently volunteers to work overtime when needed. Throughout her career, CO II Sweet has received numerous Letters of Appreciation for her job performance. Most recently, she was acknowledged for work performance while assigned to Operations. Her experience enables her supervisors to use her extensive job knowledge in almost any area. She maintains a professional attitude, quick wit and unique sense of humor. CO II Sweet has also been recognized for her excellent security coverage within the Kaibab Unit that resulted in a 94.7% audit success rate. During this audit, there were no security deficiencies. Parole Officer Manette Angela Wilson
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