Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice recognize Correctional Officers of the Year for 2010 

Correctional Officer Jason Anglin at Pontiac Correctional Center was named Correctional Officer of the Year for the Adult Division.  Featured from left are Chief of Constituent Services Shelith Hansbro, Chief of Staff David Eldridge, ICEMA President Austin Randolph, IDOC Director Michael P. Randle, C.O. Jason Anglin and Pontiac Assistant Warden of Programs Marvin Reed.

SPRINGFIELD – May 4, 2010 – The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) today honored five outstanding front line employees as 2010 Correctional Officers of the Year at a ceremony in Springfield.

The winners were chosen from a field of 48 nominees, who were nominated for the award by their colleagues.  The overall winners were chosen by the departments’ executive staff.

IDOC Director Michael P. Randle and IDJJ Director Kurt Friedenauer commended the efforts of front line staff within their respective agencies.

“National Correctional Officers Week recognizes the excellence of correctional employees throughout the U.S.,” said Randle.  “The success of the agency’s operations, programs and services is a tribute to the dedicated men and women who serve the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Their steadfast commitment allows the agency to operate one of the safest, largest prison systems in the nation.  Each and every day, they bring distinction to the job and to their communities.  In addition to meeting the goals of the department’s mission of ensuring safety and security in our prison system, they are leaders in their communities.  Many of IDOC’s employees have served or are currently serving in the military to protect our country.”

“The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice is committed to encouraging youth to be the best that they can be and avoid a cycle of prison.  The department is dedicated to providing treatment and educational, vocational, social and emotional services to the state’s young offenders to assist them in becoming productive citizens,” said Friedenauer.  “The agency’s staff is dedicated to the department’s mission.  The employees being recognized today are commended for their commitment and support toward this goal.”

Nominations for this year’s award recognize front line staff at each of the state’s 28 prisons, eight juvenile centers, adult transition centers and parole districts.  This year’s top five front line employees were presented with recognition letters from the governor and IDOC and IDJJ directors and a $500 check from the Employee Benefit Fund.  The nominees are judged on leadership, initiative, professionalism and service to their community and career.

Employees receiving top honors during a ceremony at IDOC and IDJJ General Headquarters in Springfield are:

Correctional Officer Jason Anglin at Pontiac Correctional Center
Correctional Officer Jason Anglin assisted local and state police officers in the capture of a fleeing felon, during a high-speed car chase that ended in the crash of the suspect car and the fleeing of two felons.  Officer Anglin was approached by a man on a bicycle (one of the fleeing felons), who offered him $500 to “take me out of town.”  Officer Anglin refused and flagged down a police officer, who had been searching for the fleeing men.  This man was wanted for a homicide out of St. Louis, Mo.  It was stated that if not for Mr. Anglin’s actions, the felon could still be at large.

Correctional Residence Counselor II Anita Christoffell at Fox Valley Adult Transition Center
Correctional Residence Counselor II Anita Christoffell has shown her knowledge of the center’s different facets as well as displayed active leadership, which is an example to all in the department.  Her attention to detail is revealed to everyone by her daily practice.  She has a savvy way of ensuring that proper departmental practice is being followed and there is a sense of compassion shown for the residents and their goals and direction.

Correctional Residence Counselor I Scott Williams at Decatur Adult Transition Center
Correctional Residence Counselor I Scott Williams has worked hard to ensure that all employees at Decatur ATC receive the proper training to successfully complete their jobs.  He often talks to employees one-on-one to see if they feel equipped with the training tools they need.  He sets a standard in which all other employees can model themselves.

Parole Agent Demetrius L. Norton at District I
Parole Agent Demetrius L. Norton can tell anyone off the top of his head what any offender on his caseload is up to, where the offender is in treatment or other compliance issues.  He can also recall the offender’s host site and family issues that may help or hurt the offender’s adjustment.  If the offender is employed, Agent Norton knows where he works.

Juvenile Justice Specialist Jeff Marnati at Illinois Youth Center-Murphysboro
Juvenile Justice Specialist Jeff Marnati displays a professional demeanor and is seen as a role model for other staff.  He has an excellent rapport with staff and youth alike and takes time and initiative to work through issues with any youth experiencing struggles.

Parole Supervisor Paul Carlson at District 5
Parole Supervisor Paul Carlson received the Governor’s Star Award for his exemplary leadership with the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Carlson, a consummate professional, strives to move the department forward.  He has made a tremendous effort in helping parolees make a positive and successful adjustment back into society, which in turn helps to reduce the recidivism rate.  Carlson is an asset to the Parole Division and the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Other facility nominees include:

Nominee list for 2010

Correctional Residence Counselor II Anita Christoffell at Fox Valley Adult Transition Center was named Correctional Residence Counselor of the Year for Women and Family Services.  Featured from left are Chief of Staff David Eldridge, IDOC Director Michael P. Randle, CRCII Anita Christoffell, Chief of Programs and Support Services Roberta Fews, Fox Valley ATC Supervisor Patrick Keane and ICEMA President Austin Randolph.

Correctional Residence Counselor I Scott Williams at Decatur Adult Transition Center was named Correctional Residence Counselor of the Year for the Adult Transition Centers.  Featured from left are Chief of Parole Jesse Montgomery, Chief of Staff David Eldridge, IDOC Director Michael P. Randle, Decatur ATC Supervisor Tony Wallace (accepting the award on behalf of CRCI Scott Williams), Northern Region Supervisor Darryl Coleman and ICEMA President Austin Randolph.

Parole Agent Demetrius L. Norton at District I was named Parole Agent of the Year for the Parole Division.  Featured from left are Chief of Staff David Eldridge, IDOC Director Michael P. Randle, Parole Supervisor Ed Zanghi (accepting the award on behalf of Parole Agent Demetrious L. Norton), Chief of Parole Jesse Montgomery and ICEMA President Austin Randolph.

Parole Supervisor Paul Carlson at District 5 received the Governor’s Star Award for his exemplary leadership with the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Featured from left are Chief of Staff David Eldridge, IDOC Director Michael P. Randle, Parole Supervisor Paul Carlson, Chief of Parole Jesse Montgomery and Legislative Liaison to the Governor Ryan Dougherty.

Juvenile Justice Specialist Jeff Marnati at Illinois Youth Center-Murphysboro was named the Juvenile Justice Specialist of the Year for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.  Featured from left are Juvenile Justice Specialist Gabriel Bedolla, IYC-Chicago (JJS of the Year for 2009); IDJJ Director Kurt Friedenauer, JJS Jeff Marnati, Deputy Director of Operations Ron Smith, IYC-Murphysboro Superintendent Patricia DeMent, Deputy Director of Programs Janice Shallcross and Legislative Liaison to the Governor Ryan Dougherty.