Rockville Correctional Facility Celebrates Staff
Retirement After 22-years of Dedicated Service

Rockville, Ind. – Rockville Correctional Facility (RCF), Warden Julie Stout and the entire facility staff congratulate Training Coordinator Nick Eblen on his retirement after 22-years of dedicated service. 

Nick joined the RCF custody ranks as a correctional officer in December 1998, then was promoted to correctional sergeant in 2001.  Although he thoroughly enjoyed his positions in custody, he knew he had something more to offer.  That something more presented itself in the form of a training officer position in 2003 where he served until 2008 when he was promoted to the facility's training coordinator.  In these capacities Nick would affect the entire facility by positively influencing every person who worked at RCF.  Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) Training Departments are not only the first point of contact for new employees, but the beginning of a relationship which continues throughout an employee’s career.  Nick was RCF’s first point of contact for RCF employees, and was seemingly, “custom made” to fill this role.  

Nick stated during his nearly 12-years as the Training Coordinator his main focus was always the safety of staff.  "To the best of my ability, I wanted all facility staff, whether veterans or new hires, to be the best trained so everyone goes home healthy and on time at the end of their shift," stated Nick. He credits his 11-year background as an Emergency Medical Technician as his motivation and inspiration for his safety-minded focus.

There are many special memories associated with a long and fulfilling career. One highlight of Nick’s tenure is when he was asked to help create, and then teach, the Order in the Court program which is used throughout the IDOC.  This program trains staff throughout all IDOC facilities in procedures utilized for the disciplinary hearings of offenders.

Another memorable highlight is having the privilege of playing Santa Claus for the RCF staff and their families.  A visit with Santa and a photo to “prove” it brought joy to many kids, both young and old alike.  Nick felt it an honor to have a small role in their Christmas celebrations through the years.

While social distancing negated the ability to have a large gathering/going away ceremony for Nick, staff were able to offer well wishes through cards and letters.  Those cards were arranged in a bucket symbolizing a vacationer’s bucket of ice, and were presented along with a cake and refreshments.  Small numbers of staff were able to visit Nick in the Training Department throughout the day to personally wish him well.

Nick Eblen has a true benevolent spirit and will miss the people he has come to know and respect during his service at RCF.  But he is thankful for having been a part of the many employees' lives as he and they journeyed through their IDOC careers.  This sentiment is a two-way street for RCF staff who will miss, but never forget this remarkable man, and all the good he stands for.

Nick and his wife Susan are looking forward to doing some long-awaited traveling and having much more quality time to spend with their beloved grandchildren.

Pictured left to right: RCF Deputy Warden of Operations Stacey Milner, Training Coordinator Nick Eblen, Deputy Warden of Re-Entry Pam Ferguson, and Warden Julie Stout. Pease note: This picture was taken after social distencing, but before wearing of masks orders.

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Looking for a new career?  We are hiring now!   Call or email Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Carlos Williams during regular business hours: 765-524-7743, email CarlWilliams@idoc.in.gov.