August 2018 MODOC Staff News

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missouri department of corrections

Employee Newsletter   |   August 2018

MODOC Heroes Earn Award of Valor

Award of Valor

Thirteen exceptional staff members honored for acts of courage in rescuing fellow Missourians from danger

When a neighbor’s air conditioner unit sparked a rapidly spreading fire, Michelle Vogel’s emergency training kicked in. Though the first floor was engulfed in flames, Vogel entered the burning apartment building, rescued a 4-year-old child, and ensured other occupants were evacuated safely. 

Vogel, a corrections officer at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center, is one of 13 real-life superheroes honored this summer with Director's Award of Valor, a Missouri Department of Corrections award bestowed on a staff member who has acted in a heroic or courageous manner, on or off duty, despite personal risk. Our staff members have rescued Missourians from burning buildings, traffic accidents and violent assaults. 

Congratulations to Randy Witt, Justin Mathis, Gregory Kreutzer, Josh Harkins, Earl Roach, David Byrd, Robert Dunn, Laura Horton, Jason Jones, Randy Nash, Tim Wood, Dan Wiley and Michelle Vogel.

Read about the awardees and their heroic acts »



Officers’ Quick Action Thwarts Serious Injury to Staff

On July 27, an employee at Jefferson City Correctional Center was attacked by an offender who had escaped from an administrative segregation outdoor recreation structure within the facility's secure perimeter. Thirteen staff members instantly came to her aid and safely resolved the situation within three minutes. We are profoundly grateful to the officers whose training, professionalism and quick thinking protected an employee from serious injury. They represent the best of the Missouri Department of Corrections. Read about the attack »


July 2018 MODOC Employee of the Month

Corrections Officer I Daniel Mulford is the July 2018 department employee of the month. Daniel’s close attention to detail helps keep our facilities safer. While on post in the visiting room at Northeast Correctional Center, he spotted an offender and a visitor exchanging balloons filled with an unknown substance. Without creating a stir or drawing attention, Daniel made prompt and clear radio calls to fellow officers to get help. Thanks to his calm demeanor and professionalism, officers intercepted drugs without using force or compromising the safety of civilians.

Daniel Mulford, July EOM

A Heart for Service: Probation & Parole

A Heart for Service: Probation & Parole

Missouri Department of Corrections staff in the Division of Probation & Parole discuss what it's really like to work in corrections. Find out what motivates them to get up every day and change the lives of fellow Missourians.


Department of Corrections at the Missouri State Fair

Stop by Booth 49 in the Agriculture Building at the Missouri State Fair Aug. 9-18 to support MODOC. We're promoting staff recruitment, agriculture programs, vocational education and more.


Planting Seeds and Meeting Needs

Southeast Correctional Center Garden

Gardening season is in full swing! Thanks to the hard work of MODOC staff and offender participants, the department delivers fresh produce from Restorative Justice Gardens to food banks and other nonprofits statewide. In 2017, we gave 133 tons of food to Missourians in need. This year, the new Horticulture Registered Apprenticeship at Southeast Correctional Center is adding to the bounty. See recent TV and newspaper reports on our gardens:


Puppies for Parole Featured on Kansas City Live

P4P_KC Live

Western Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center staff members Carrie Henggeler and Marcia Jennings — plus pups Maybell and Bessie — represented Puppies for Parole on the morning news show Kansas City Live. Find out how they're making a difference in the lives of offenders, adoptive families and, of course, lovable dogs who need forever homes. Watch the show »


MODOC Gives Back

Probation & Parole District 10 held a “Christmas in July” celebration and fundraiser this summer. Staff donated bingo prizes and diet soda to Jordan Creek Nursing and Rehab Center in Springfield. The avid bingo players were grateful for the gifts. Participants celebrated with a pizza party.

Christmas in July
Uganda-Crop

This summer 20 Missourians from Lifepoint Church in Chillicothe spent 12 days in Jinga, Uganda, performing volunteer work for low-resource communities. They took a special gift with them for children there: handmade dresses created by Restorative Justice Program participants in Chillicothe Correctional Center

Tell us what your team is doing to give back. Contact doc.media@doc.mo.gov »


Crossroads Correctional Center Update

Crossroads Correctional Center is now in Step III of modified lockdown as workers complete final repairs to damage the facility incurred May 12-13. General population and protective custody offenders now have 30 minutes of recreation time Monday through Friday, daily showers and canteen access. Some offender work duties have resumed, and Missouri sex offender program classes are taking place in the education area. Pre-packaged box meals continue to be served until Aug. 8, when offenders will receive sack meals prepared on site. Limited visiting is expected to resume beginning Aug. 9. 


#MOBackToSchool

Classroom

Throughout August, Missouri state government agencies are celebrating #MOBackToSchool month. We're proud of the work our employees do to facilitate academic education, vocational training, and university education — while supporting kids in our communities through food donations and backpack programs. Tell us what your team is doing to advance learning or help students in need. Send photos to doc.media@doc.mo.gov.


Tools for Positive Change: The Big Picture

All year, Missouri Department of Corrections employees have been hearing about ENGAGE, the state's back-to-basics employee feedback system; The Corrections Way, MODOC's foundation for building strong relationships; and the strategic plan, the roadmap for reaching our goals. Now all the pieces of the puzzle are coming together.  

  • The Corrections Way: We're starting Phase II, with in-person training and video training modules
  • ENGAGE: Check out state tips and resources for building better teams
  • Strategic Plan: We have more than 70 initiatives underway!  Take a look at our overall goals

In case you missed it ... read Director Precythe's message about plans for the department.


Mission

Improving Lives for Safer Communities

Vision

Excellence in Corrections for a Safer Missouri

Values

We value safe work environments, a capable workforce and reduced risk and recidivism.
We value integrity and respect.
We value supportive leadership.
We value employee participation and teamwork.

Be Part of the Solution

appreciate

We're working hard to recruit and retain staff; to increase salaries and decrease overtime; and to make the Missouri Department of Corrections a great place to work.

YOU CAN HELP.

  • Warmly welcome new employees.
  • Show appreciation for your coworkers.
  • Keep a positive mindset.