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Media Relations Office:
Sternes Named the Warden at Yuma
Arizona Department of Corrections Director Dora Schriro has appointed Jerry Sternes to serve as Warden of the Arizona State Prison Complex-Yuma. Sternes replaces Warden Ivan Bartos who now heads Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye. “Warden Sternes has performed with excellence throughout his career. He brought a wealth of experience to ASPC-Lewis and quickly made his mark there. We will benefit from his presence in Yuma and I am confident he will contribute to the community as well as our correctional complex,” said Director Schriro. Sternes began his career in corrections in 1983 as a Correctional Officer with the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Dixon Correctional Center. Over the next 20 years, he moved quickly through the ranks at that facility, the last six of which he spent as Warden. Last August 2004, Sternes moved to Arizona to become Deputy Warden of the Barchey Unit, at the Lewis complex. “This is a great opportunity and I am really thankful the Director gave me this chance,” Sternes said. “I look forward to joining the team and carrying on the good work that has been done there. I’ve heard great things about Yuma and look forward to meeting the mission and the goals of the agency.” Warden Sternes and his wife, Bonnie, will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this year. The couple has one son, Justin, who is 28. Deputy Warden of Operations John Palosarri served as acting Warden from mid March. “The Arizona Department of Corrections appreciates the work of Mr. Palosaari. He selflessly administered the Yuma Complex for two months until Mr. Bartos’ replacement could be on board,” said Sam Sublett, Division Director for Offender Operations. “Mr. Palosaari did an outstanding job and will be recognized for his significant contributions to public safety during this interim period.” ASPC-Yuma confines over 2,100 medium and high custody male inmates. It is located on County 23rd Street in San Luis, Arizona, approximately 14 miles south of Yuma. |
