“I started my career with Missouri DOC in June of 2022. In just over one year with the Department, I have seen great personal and professional growth in myself. In the past, I was struggling with maintaining employment and struggling with mental health issues. Since I started with the Department, there have been multiple DOC employees (from multiple institutions) who have held me accountable for myself, which unbeknownst to me was exactly what I needed. They showed they cared by helping me grow in my personal life with my wife and my kids, and in relationships with those who I work with every day. It’s much more akin to a family unit as opposed to an employment unit.
Of course, one of my favorite parts of work is the money, like most others. Financial reasons aside, I have never once, during my 19 years in the work force (including my time in the military), had a job where my coworkers (custody staff and non-custody staff) have cared for each other's wellbeing so much. They ask you, "how are you?" multiple times a day when they sense something is off. That shows they truly care about you. All in all, I couldn’t ask for a better employer.”
Rodney Williams, Corrections Officer I, South Central Correctional Center, DAI
“What I love about my job starts at the top and works down from there. Working for an agency that supports and invests in front-line employees makes me feel valued as I walk through the door. The agency takes safety and well-being seriously, and they take action to show it by providing the necessary tools to get the job done while protecting employees. The agency promotes wellness on a regular basis, and I believe it to be sincere when they do. This is exemplified by supervisory staff in District 6, where precautions are taken both in the office and the field, and employees are treated like they are valued. In District 6 it is not only the job that matters; employees are treated like people who have value outside of the office as well. We are welcome to speak with our DA or supervisors at any time, and treated with respect, consideration, and a tremendous amount of support. Our office comes together to encourage and support our team members facing challenges both inside and outside of work, and we do so with enthusiasm and sincerity. We bring that same positivity to our clients, and I have seen both supervisors and coworkers go above and beyond to help clients grasp a foothold to gain success, even taking their time to do so when they are extremely busy, or after regular hours. That often results in more favorable outcomes for clients, and a sense of pride for all of us who get to be a part of helping our clients succeed. I personally have a client with an extensive criminal history, and the support he has received both from District 6 and our community partners has helped him turn his life around. He is a happy, thriving member of the community now, and it truly warms my heart to see him so proud of himself. The Department of Corrections has truly made a point to rehabilitate offenders, and they take the time to notice that success comes from the top, down. I am very thankful I get to be a part of this journey, the positivity, and the change in our community.”
Chrissy Palmer, Probation & Parole Officer, District 6, P&P
"I am so blessed with the many staff that I work with on a daily basis. It is pleasing to see smiling faces when you are having a rough day. They say that I am the one who keeps things held together with my happy attitude and the “man in the red suit”!
I enjoy walking in every day to help my treatment staff in the best professional way as possible. Of course, everyone has those time frames when things are not quite as they should be. But you have to keep going and make the best of it.
My supervisor is an awesome person. I really enjoy working for my supervisor. We make a great team.
When I sat before my interview committee many years ago, I was informed of the pay that I would receive. I was asked if this was going to be ok. I think I surprised the committee when I informed them that I am not here for what I am paid but, I am here for the team. If I did not feel that this was the place for me then I would move on. I was told that "job" stands for "just over broke" for some. If I am just over broke and enjoying my employment, then, so be it. Well, that was years ago and here I am, still at it!
Each day of the week seems to present a different challenge to maintaining your productivity and your focus. To many, Monday is a bad day due to the fact that you have to return to work. Me, on the other hand; I enjoy rising in the morning, preparing myself, and making my happy attitude appearance. For some it is a way to help them get started. For others, it is a grumble. You get to decide where your time is going, whether it is good or bad. You can spend it going forward with confidence or you can spend it destroying yourself. You make that choice, not others. There are many hurdles in your life. You choose whether or not you want to accomplish it or go around. I do not want to give up. I want to do the best that I can so others can see the possibilities that are out there.
Working with the staff that I am around keeps me here, keeps me focused, and keeps me going."
Chris Gage, Administrative Assistant, Western Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center and Western Region Treatment Center, DAI
“When I began my career with DOC in 2004, I never dreamed that I would one day become the Fire and Safety Coordinator for the Northern half of the state. I truly enjoy being a part of the Employee Health and Safety Team. My job allows me to travel to Institutions and Probation and Parole sites throughout the state. I enjoy meeting with staff and exchanging ideas for making our work environment a safer place. Together, we have eliminated many unsafe practices and provided training that has proven beneficial in ensuring that our staff have the resources available to protect themselves from hazards. Our team is growing and becoming proactive with new tracking resources geared towards risk mitigation. I am excited to be a part of this journey! DOC provided training that enabled me to advance both professionally and on a personal level. I am confident in my ability to perform my duties as a team member and make a difference; that is my motivation to continue to challenge myself and the cornerstone for job satisfaction. I LOVE WHAT I DO!”
Kimberly Ferguson, Safety Coordinator, Central Office, DHS
“I absolutely LOVE being a trainer for the DOC! In January of 2017, after serving nearly 23 years as a POII, I was promoted to Corrections Training Officer at the Eastern Regional Training Center Academy. It was a long sought-after goal and when I got the opportunity, I latched on to it like a dog with a bone! In a position to leverage my experience, strength and hope with a younger generation of new employees, I could make a tangible difference in their career trajectory. I was also privileged to train tenured staff and often they taught me as much (or more) than I was offering them. One might think that DT, shotgun, chemical agents and other firearms training was the best part of the job, but I really liked teaching the “soft skills” more. I enjoy the physical skill-based courses to be sure, however the ones that focused on the humanities of what we do like Tactical Communications, CIT, and Suicide Prevention seemed to have the most lasting impact on my students. As the regional CIT coordinator for five years, I was able to work with some of the department’s most devoted individuals to deliver some of the most challenging training we have to offer. I give a lot of credit to Sarah Jensen, Kim Hart, and Rachel Lewis for taking such an active role in the program and offering perspectives that made it a real team. They were so much fun to work with and we would have had little success without them.
In June of 2023 I retired, or so I thought, after nearly 30 years of service to the DOC. Shortly after retirement, I was able to return to ERDCC part-time helping with onboarding new staff and doing a little CO-I duty. ERDCC welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home immediately. I get to see first-hand the incredible job they do here with staff shortages, difficult working conditions and a very active maximum-security population. There really are some great people working here and it’s awesome to be a part of the team that is turning the staffing and retention issues around. I get to contribute by working with new employees and lending my encouragement, Academy knowledge and enthusiasm for training to get them off to a good start on their careers. Furthermore, I want to acknowledge Mike Neel (ITO), Joe Rackovan (CCM), Jesse Wittman (COI) and Mary Hankins (OSA) whom I get to work with regularly and make being part of the training team so much fun. Thanks to all of you!”
When asked, “How do you like working at Bonne Terre?”, I always respond, “Love it, I have a great job and get to work with some of the best people!”
Paul Koessel, Retired POII/CTO and current COI/Adjunct Trainer, Easter Region ERDCC, DAI
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