Corrections Connection

Volume 6, Issue 4

Winter 2014

Commissioner’s Comments

West Virginia

The Carry on Campaign began in October 2010 as a collaborative, multi-agency partnership that includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Mission West Virginia, Inc., the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney’s Institute and the West Vir-ginia Drug Endangered Children Task Force. Items sought after as part of the Carry On Campaign include new and gently used luggage, duffle bags, stuffed animals, coloring books, journals, toothbrushes, toothpaste, as well as non-perishable snacks. Additional items being collected during the winter months include coats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, earmuffs, socks, and blankets.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and I recently visited St. Marys Correctional Center (SMCC) in St. Marys and Lakin Correctional Center (LCC) in West Columbia, West Virginia, to celebrate the donation of hundreds of blankets, scarves and bags crafted by inmates to give to foster children. The donated items were presented to representa-tives from Mission West Virginia, a community service organization, in conjunction with the Carry on Campaign, which collects luggage, essential personal care items, and items of comfort for children who are in transition to the state’s foster care system. West Virginia currently has more than 4,000 children in foster care.

I am very proud that WV DOC continues to assist in this endeavor to help ease the difficult transition into the foster care system.

Jim Rubenstein, CommissionerWV DOC

If you would like more information on the “Carry on Campaign”, please visit: http://missionwv.org/frameworks/carryon/or to learn where your local drop-off site is, please contact Carrie Dawson at 866-CALL-MWV (866-225-5698).

Pictured above center, SMCC Warden Patrick Mirandy and Attorney Booth Goodwin,

and above right, inmates from LCC posing with blankets and scarves made for the project.

In This Issue:

Mock Riot...............................................................Page 2Dog “Bump”......................................................................2Correctional Views........................................................3New Leadership.............................................................4Recruitment Corner......................................................5Working Wellness..........................................................6MS/Walk............................................................................7Paws 4 Prison..................................................................8Retirements.....................................................................9Chili Cook-Off/Corrections Day.............................10New Employees...........................................................11Certified Case Mgr/Academy Graduation..........12Promotions/Awards...................................................13Notes/Crime Victims Day.........................................14Challenge Coin/Gavin Update...............................15

Page 2

On December 13, 2013, Lakin Correctional Center and Paws4People conducted its sixth large scale “Dog Bump”. The day began with introductions from Mr. Terry Henry (Paws4People) and demonstrations from the Paws4Prisons Dog Unit, followed by the intro-ductions of the clients, including Veterans suffer-ing from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), two children and one adult with mobility issues.

The introductions were very emotional for the clients and everyone present. Lunch was prepared by the Education Department’s Culinary Arts Class and served to all the guests. After lunch, it was time for the clients and dogs selected to meet each other. Each client was introduced to three dogs that were selected by the Paws4People staff based on the needs of the clients and the strengths each dog possessed. After the initial bump, the client was reintroduced to two dogs and the dog that bonded with the client the most was then chosen by the Paws4People staff.

The clients then had the op-portunity to bond with the dog selected. The dogs selected will start their client’s specialized training at Lakin Correctional

Center and later be relocated to University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), where they will be trained by students that also attended the “Bump”. The day was a very emotional and informative experience

enjoyed by staff, clients and all individuals involved.

Submitted by:Case Manager Phil Putney

Photos by: Joan Brady

Lakin’s “Dog Bump”

The 2014 Mock Prison Riot is just weeks away--Mark your calendars for May 4-7, 2014! If you haven’t already done so, we hope you will go to our web site (www.mockpri-sonriot.org) and register today. We would love to see you here!

What’s new and exciting? This year, for the first time ever, we will have drone detection technol-ogy deployed during demos and scenarios.

The Mock Prison Riot is a four-day long law enforcement and correc-tions tradeshow and training event,

which is comprised of a technology showcase and demonstrations, tactical training scenarios, work-ships and a Skills Competion. The event is held on the grounds of the decommissioned WV Penitentiary in Moundsville.

Sharon Goudy, Mock Prison Riot

For more information on the 2014 Mock Prison Riot please visit the website or contact Sharon Goudy, at (304)-231-4929.

MOCK RIOT: 2014

Above Photos by: Heather Ferrell

Page 3Correctional Views

West Virginia Division of Corrections

Vision and Mission Statements

Vision

The Vision of the West Virginia

Division of Corrections is to be recognized as an

innovative leader in providing quality correctional

services.

Mission

The Mission of the West Virginia

Division of Corrections is to enhance public safety by

providing safe, secure, humane correctional facili-ties, operating an effective system of offender reentry and community supervision, reducing offender recidivism,

and assisting victims of crime.

Congratulations to Sgt. Tim Paul who was selected Em-ployee of the Quarter for the Northern Correctional Cen-ter. Sgt. Paul willingly assists where help is needed and readily seeks other duties. He maintains a positive and will-ing attitude and consistently displays a professional de-meanor! Sgt. Paul (above right) is pictured here with AWS Mike Hill.

On January 10, 2014, during the monthly Warden’s Meeting at Lakin Correc-tional Center (LCC), Commissioner Rubenstein presented staff with the 2013 Attendance Awards. The Awards program was established in the year 2011 to honor staff for their work ethic and attendance. Staff at LCC that used no sick leave during January through December 2013 received the Exceptional Attendance Award. Staff using three (3) days or less during that same period of time received the Excellent Attendance Award. Twelve staff members received the Exceptional Attendance Award and thirty-six staff members received the Excellent Attendance Award.

Pictured above: Front row, left to right, JD Sallaz, Lori Nohe, Heather Smith, Aira Martin,

Donna Bush, Beverly Richmond, Cheryl Gerlach and Commissioner Rubenstein. Middle

Left to Right: Beverly Ross, Stacy Duncan, Joshua Yost, James Brooks, Lucas Edwards, Jordan

Lynch and Gregory Kinnaird. Back Left to Right, Bobby Updegrave, Mark Morrow, Jamie

Davis, and Kenneth Greenlee

Also receiving awards, but not pictured above: Staci Bain, Dottie Fields, Deborah Young,

Sherry Thomas, Janice Durst, Nesba Tench and Michael Ross, Denise Richards, Stephen

Duncan, Bradley Snyder, Nathan Hanna, Ryan Edwards, Joseph Riffle and Justin Rollins, John

Ross, Timothy Farley, Anthony Rowe, Matthew Graham, and Kelli Bolin, Joseph Thornton,

Joyce Dugan, Jonathan Dillon, Gregory Dickenson , Joseph Wood, Anthony King, Jeremiah

Woodall and Cynthia Lee, and Deborah Quivey.

Page 4

Sean Markey has been selected the new Associate Warden of Security at St. Marys Correctional Center (SMCC). In early 1994, Sean worked at the WV State Penitentiary as a Corrections Counselor and was reallocated to the position of a Correctional Counselor II, when he transferred to Northern Correctional Center in the fall of 1994. Sean was promoted to a Corrections Case Manager and has also held the positions of Sergeant and Captain at SMCC.

Byran Harman has been selected As-sociate Warden of Operations at Salem Correctional Center. He is a graduate from Fairmont State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. During his 11 year career in the correc-tions field, with the Division of Juve-nile Services and Corrections, he has worked as a Correctional Officer and has held the positions of Correctional Counselor II and CPS Senior, where he served as both Recreation Supervisor and Operations Manager.

Mike Hill has been selected to fill the position of Associate Warden of Secu-rity at Northern Correctional Center. Mike began his employment with the

Division of Corrections in 1998, as a Correctional Officer I at Ohio County Correctional Center (OCCC). During his tenure with the Division, he has held the positions of Sergeant, Lietuenant, and has also served as Institutional Training Officer, Chief Correctional Offi-cer, Community Service Crew Supervi-sor and CERT Team Leader for OCCC.

Stacy Nowicki was selected to fill the position of General Counsel at Central Office. She has extensive experience in the practice of administrative law, through her tenure at WV Attorney General’s Office. Prior to working in the Attorney Generals Office, Stacy served at the Judiciary Staff Counsel during the 2009 legislative session, as well as holding the following positions: Assistant Public Defender in the First Judicial Circuit of WV, Assistant Public Defender in the Hancock County, and Judicial Law Clerk for the WV Supreme Court of Appeals.

Central Office welcomes Chief of Special Operations, Ronnie Williams. Ronnie began his correctional career as a CO I at the WV State Penitentiary in Moundsville. In 1995 he became a member of the Corrections Emer-

gency Response Team (CERT) and he transferred to Mt. Olive Correctional Complex. He worked as a Trainer at the Corrections Academy and then returned to MOCC as Lieutenant and then promoted to Captain. During his tenure as Captain, he served as Shift Commander and Segregation Com-mander.

Inez Dickerson has been selected as Associate Warden of Security at MCDO (Stevens Correctional Center/McDow-ell County Corrections). She was a for-mer employee of Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center and held the position of a Substance Abuse Counselor. During her 23 year career in the corrections field, with McDowell County Corrections, she has worked as a Correctional Officer and held the positions of Lieutenant, Classification Officer and Captain.

New Leadership

The WV DOC Corrections Connection is a quarterly newsletter published by the WVDOC Office of Research and Technology,

1409 Greenbrier St., Charleston, WV 25311. Phone: (304) 558-2036, Fax: (304) 558-1495

Website: www.wvdoc.com We welcome all employees to submit articles, letters, pictures, and/or

ideas to be included in future issues of the

Corrections Connection. Please send submissions to:

Rebecca Hildebrand via email

(Rebecca.L.Hildebrand@wv.gov) in Microsoft Word format.

Pictures need to be saved as a bitmap (.bmp) or jpeg

image and attached in a separate file. All information will be subject to editing.

Jim Rubenstein, CommissionerJim Ielapi, Deputy Commissioner

Brad Douglas, DirectorRebecca Hildebrand, Research Analyst

Debbie Croft, Research AnalystRema Jordan, Office Assistant III

Photo by: Jennifer Ballard

Page 5Recruitment Corner

When I last wrote, almost three months ago, it was getting colder, and as I write this, it’s STILL cold! Let’s hope things warm up by pub-lication time! Although it has been cold and the weather has been rough (to say the least), we keep moving forward. With the major-ity of our staff working in 24-hour facilities, we must keep moving forward to ensure effective and effi-cient corrections services. We have a responsibility to ourselves, our co-workers, our inmates and our communities to show up to work and put forth our best efforts, even if the weather outside is frightful.

When more and more staff calls off due to winter colds and winter roads, those who come to work bear the brunt of the staffing shortages. It’s times like this that the importance of having a more fully staffed facility becomes even more apparent. Not only more fully staffed, but a facility staffed with quality, hard-working individu-als. Individuals we can count on to come into work when scheduled, to attempt to get to work even if the roads are an icy mess, to not call in sick when they’re not actually sick.

I’ve talked a lot about retention in past articles, and that’s because it is an important factor in guaranteeing a good or bad work environment. If we don’t retain our current work-force, work life gets more difficult for those who continue on. That being said, we don’t want to retain the unreliable, lackluster co-work-ers who generally make work life more miserable. We want to create, develop and retain co-workers who make work life more bearable.

With spring upon us (we hope!), let’s dust off the snow and ice and chilling cold and make an effort to be happier and more positive. Let’s spring clean our attitudes and do what’s in our power to make work life better. Be a good role model for your co-workers. That doesn’t mean you have to be perfect – just do your job and do it well. Make yourself available to your co-workers if they have a question or just need to vent. If there are things that you think can and should be fixed at your facility, don’t be afraid to speak up. And, while you’re at it, don’t be afraid to come up with some ideas on how to actually fix what may be broken or malfunctioning. Better yet, take an active role in your facility’s FCP Team and work with others who are trying to better the work environ-ment. Whether you have superviso-ry responsibilities or management authority or you don’t, you still have power - power to speak up, to show up, and to perform your job duties to the best of your abilities. Although the work day may not go how you want or expect on any given day, you have the power to react in a way that is work appropri-ate.

You might not be able to change your co-workers’ attitudes and work ethics, but you can control your own. And, whether you believe it or not, you have some level of control over the types of people you work alongside. Think about the kind of people you already work with. Which ones do you admire and which ones would you rather not work around? Think about what makes your good co-workers so easy to work with and what

makes the bad ones so unbear-able. Which qualities do YOU have – those of a good co-worker or those of a bad co-worker? Now, think about the kind of people you don’t work with but would want to work with. Is there anyone in your life that would make a good fit for corrections and a good co-worker for you and others at your facility? Whether someone already has a job or not, you don’t always know if they are satisfied in that job. What’s to stop you from talking to the people you know about working in corrections? It can be as blunt as, “We’re hiring. Spread the word.” Or, it could be more subtle by talking about what it’s like for you working in corrections. When you talk about the good things (and even the bad) that happen at work, people pick up on it. When you take pride in your career, others will see it and will start showing interest.

On a side note, job fairs are in full swing. If you think you’d like to attend a job fair to talk about what YOU do in corrections and to recruit potential applicants, talk to your HR Manager. We’d love to have you along!

Amy Boggs, Central Office

If you have any ideas or suggestions for

recruitment or retention, please contact

Amy Boggs at Central Office, 304-558-2036,

Amy.M.Boggs@wv.gov. Our biggest asset

is our employees, and we welcome your

opinions.

Page 6

During the winter months, we all tend to hibernate – we eat plenti-fully and stay bundled up inside the house. A lot of us tend to move less during the winter, and we even move more slowly. Now that winter has passed and spring has sprung, it’s time to move toward a healthier lifestyle!

Tip 1 – Get Moving! Moving doesn’t have to be anything drastic like high intensity kickboxing or spin classes, it can be as simple as cleaning the house or walking laps in the parking lot on breaks and lunch. If you don’t exercise regularly, you don’t want to overdo it right off the bat, as injuring yourself can instantly turn you off from a healthier lifestyle. You’ll want to ease into a healthier lifestyle at first, even when it comes to eating more healthy. Some of you may be an all-or-nothing kind of person, but for a healthy lifestyle to last, it’s about making small changes as you go, that combined will be huge changes over time.

Tip 2 – Don’t feel pressured to do it all at once! A common miscon-ception is that we have to work out seven days a week, an hour or more each day; we must only eat fruits, vegetables and lean meats and never, ever, ever eat sugary or fatty foods. This is not true! You can eat well 75%, 80% or 90% of the time, and let yourself eat less healthy the remainder of the time. You will likely still see results. A HEALTHIER

LIFESTYLE DOES NOT INVOLVE STARVING OR DEPRIVATION. Not even the healthiest people eat well every meal of every day or work out every second of every day. And, just because someone ap-pears healthy, doesn’t mean they are perfect. They may have the same junk food cravings that you have, and they may struggle on a daily basis to eat healthier and workout regularly. You may find that the “healthy” people are just like you and me. They eat cookies and pizza, but they may also have gotten a grip on moderation. Less healthy food is okay… in modera-tion.

Tip 3 – Don’t take it too easy! Just because you are accustomed to an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle doesn’t mean you shouldn’t push yourself a little harder physically, once you’ve gotten your bearings. Too often, people kid themselves into thinking that taking the stairs is all they need to do. But, as you begin to get more active, your body adjusts, and it takes more ef-fort to see equal or greater results. I wouldn’t begin to pretend that I know better than a medical profes-sional, but many of us are perfectly capable of working up a good sweat and getting our heart rate up. We just choose not to, or we tell ourselves that we’re too old or too fat or too uncoordinated or any number of other excuses. The fact is, even if we have health condi-tions, there are still many things we can do to better our health.

Tip 4 – Find something (or some-ONE) that works for YOU! Not every program works for everyone, as we are all different, and we all have different motivating factors. If you are a PEIA member, PEIA

has multiple programs to improve wellness. Take advantage of what’s offered. I do. Several people at Central Office have used Weight Watchers and Weight Watchers Online to help them lead healthier lifestyles. Sometimes we don’t even need a “program” to help us; sometimes it just takes an “Aha” moment to get us in gear. Some-times it takes seeing someone else building a healthier lifestyle to get us going on our own path. Don’t be afraid to ask someone how they do it – how they maintain a healthy weight or active lifestyle. Most likely, they’ll be flattered that you think they’re modeling healthy behaviors.

Don’t be afraid to strive for a healthier lifestyle. The sooner you start making an effort, the sooner it will become second nature. And, being healthier tends to make us happier. The happier we are with life, the happier we will be at work!

Amy Boggs, Central Office

If you are the Wellness Coordinator for your facility, let us know what you are doing to create a program for yourself and coworkers that encourages them to be proactive in their wellness. If you have ideas or suggestions for well-ness programs at your facility, contact your Wellness Coordinator or Amy Boggs at Central Office, 304-558-2036, Amy.M.Boggs@wv.gov.

Working Wellness

Page 7MS WALK: TEAM WV DOC Last year Team WVDOC participated in the Charleston - Walk MS and this year I’m inviting you to join our team! This years walk will be April 12, 2014, at the Columbia Gas Building in Charleston, WV, with a 10:00am check in and 11:00am start time.

The funds raised through Walk MS events support cutting-edge research and programs and services for everyone impacted by Multiple Sclerosis. Every step matters. Every

dollar counts. Every person makes a difference.! If you are interested in joining our team , please contact me at WVDOC Central Office, (304) 558-2036. By joining our team, you will be signing up for a great event and an important cause. Each mile we walk brings us that much closer to a cure. Thank you. I hope you join the team and the MS Move-ment!

For more information on MS, please visit: nationalmssociety.org

Patti Withrow, DOC Central Office

Last Year’s Team WVDOC

raised $2,792 for Multiple

Sclerosis Research!

WV DOC Contact Information

Central Office

Jim Rubenstein, CommissionerLoita Butcher, Executive Asst. Susan Harding, Executive Secretary

Jim Ielapi, Deputy CommissionerDella Huddleston, Administrative Secretary

Jan Chamberlain, Asst. CommissionerKathy Conner, Secretary

Mike Coleman, Asst. CommissionerDeidra Dingess, Secretary

Kem Hudson, Inmate Movement CoordinatorTerri Arthur, Hearing ExaminerJennifer Ballard, Director of ProgramsKathy Carroll, Director of Human ResourcesBrad Douglas, Director of Research TechnologyPhillip Farley, Director of Construction & Eng.Judy Fitzgerald, Director of Parole ServicesDebbie Hissom, Health Services AdministratorJohn Boothroyd, Director of Legal ServicesSandi Jaynes, Victim Services ManagerChuck Mankins, Director of SafetyRita Albury, Director of ClassificationKaren Nichols, Director of Records/InterstateCompactPatti Withrow, Director of Administration

1409 Greenbrier StreetCharleston, WV 25311Phone: (304) 558-2036Fax: (304) 558-5934

Paul Simmons, Director of Security

112 Northern Region Correctional Dr.Moundsville, WV 26041Phone: (304) 843-4067

Denver Rosier, Director of Investigations

Randolph Center Suite 20201200 Harrison Ave.Elkins, WV 26241

Phone: (304) 636-0222

Eddie Long, Director of Correctional Industries

WV Correctional Industries607 Leon Sullivan WayCharleston, WV 25301Phone: (304) 558-6055

Randy Perdue, Director of Training

WV Corrections AcademyThe Morris Criminal Justice Training Center

PO Box 850Glenville, WV 26351

LCC Employee Association

The week before Christmas, Lakin Correctional Center’s (LCC) Employee Association presented all their DOC and Contractual Staff with turkeys. The average turkey weighed in at approximately 12lbs, with a few weighing over 20lbs! The staff at LCC were very appreciative of the Associations gift!

Page 8

St. Mary’s Cor-rectional Center (SMCC) recently began partner-ship with Paws 4 Prisons and is in the process of selecting inmates to be in the pro-gram. In Mid-March, the first dogs will be introduced to SMCC. Some have already begun seeing “Ziva”, pictured above with Brenda Casey. Ziva is a puppy that will be trained at LCC and frequent SMCC.

Pruntytown Correctional Center welcomed two new dogs to their program; Bravo and Echo (on right) were Anatolian Shepherd Mixes who

were rescued from Afghanistan and brought to the United States through the animal rescue program.

Paws 4 Prison

Correctional Institutions

Anthony Correctional CenterScott Patterson, WardenBox N-1 HC-70White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986Phone: (304) 536-3911 Fax: (304) 536-3916

Beckley Correctional CenterWilliam Vest, Warden111 S. Eisenhower Dr.Beckley, WV 25801Phone: (304) 256-6780 Fax: (304) 256-6782

Charleston Work Release CenterJeff Stinnett, Administrator607 Brooks StreetCharleston, WV 25301Phone: (304) 558-2763 Fax: (304) 558-1537

Denmar Correctional CenterMark Williamson, Warden4319 Denmar RoadHillsboro, WV 24946Phone: (304) 653-4201 Fax: (304) 653-4855

Huntington Work Release CenterRenae Stubblefield, Administrator1236 5th AvenueHuntington, WV 25701Phone: (304) 529-6885 Fax: (304) 529-0205

Huttonsville Correctional CenterMarvin Plumley, WardenPO Box 1 Huttonsville, WV 26273Phone: (304) 335-2291 Fax: (304) 335-4256

Lakin Correctional CenterLori Nohe, Warden11264 Ohio River RoadWest Columbia, WV 25287Phone: (304) 674-2440 Fax: (304) 674-6199

Martinsburg Correctional CenterScott Paugh, Warden38 Grapevine RoadMartinsburg, WV 25405Phone: (304) 267-0156 Fax: (304) 267-0196

LCC Helps a Local Family

On January 18, 2014, the house of Billy and LaTanya Smith, of Pt. Pleas-ant, WV, caught on fire with five fam-ily members in the home. Billy and LaTanya were trapped on the second floor of the residence and escaped through a window, their three chil-dren escaped to a lower level, howev-er sustained severe burns while trying to flee. The couple’s daughter Tiffany, age 26 and son Braxton, age 11 died at the hospital from their injuries. The couples 14 year old son Tre’ was flown to Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio after receiving burns to 80% of his body. Today, Tre’ remains stable at the hospital and is undergoing skin grafts.

On January 22-23, 2014, the Lakin Correctional Center (LCC) Employee Association, Facility Character Pro-file Groups and the Dept. of Educa-tion’s Culinary Arts Program held a

fundraiser to help the family. The fundraiser consisted of Steak and Cheese Subs, Turkey and Bacon Subs, Reuben Sandwiches, Pizza Subs and chips and dessert. The fundraiser col-lected $3,108.57 and was given to Ms. Amanda Pearce, Personal Banker at People’s Bank in Pt. Pleasant, WV and placed into a Benefit Account for the family.

LCC Education Principal Lori Loomis, Employee Association Representative Linda Hill and Amanda Pearce from People’s Bank

Page 9

Correctional Institutions(continued)

McDowell County Correctional CenterDennis Dingus, Warden50 Court StreetWelch, WV 24801Phone: (304) 436-8530 Fax: (304) 436-8565

Mt. Olive Correctional ComplexDavid Ballard, Warden#1 Mountainside WayMt. Olive, WV 25185Phone: (304) 442-7213 Fax: (304) 442-7225

Northern Correctional CenterKaren Pszczolkowski, Warden112 Northern Regional Correctional Dr.Moundsville, WV 26041Phone: (304) 843-4067 Fax: (304) 843-4117

Ohio County Correctional CenterWilliam Yurcina, Administrator1501 Eoff StreetWheeling, WV 26003Phone: (304) 238-1007 Fax: (304) 238-1009

Parkersburg Correctional CenterAnne Thomas, Warden225 Holiday Hills DriveParkersburg, WV 26104 Phone: (304) 420-2443 Fax: (304) 420-2477

Pruntytown Correctional CenterDebbi Minnix, Warden2006 Trap Springs RoadGrafton, WV 26354Phone: (304) 265-6111 Fax: (304) 265-6120

Salem Correctional CenterDavid Jones, Warden7 Industrial Blvd.Industrial, WV 26426Phone: (304) 782-2371 Fax: (304) 782-4816

St. Marys Correctional CenterPatrick Mirandy, Warden2880 N. Pleasants HighwaySt. Marys, WV 26170Phone: (304) 684-5500 Fax: (304) 684-5506

Henry Casto (pictured on right with Anthony Cor-rectional Center Warden Scott Patterson) began is career with the Division of Corrections Janu-ary 15, 1989. He started as a CO I, he advanced in rank to COII, COIII over the years, and then to a COIV in 2002. Sgt. Casto retired in early Janu-ary 2014, with 29 years 11 months service. He helped his fellow employees out whenever needed over the years, displaying a great work ethic and served as a role model for so many.

Steve Fox (on left) retired January 16, 2014 after performing 16+ years of service to the WV Divsion of Corrections. Steve began his career with Corrections in 1994 at the Charles-ton Work Release Center as a Correctional Officer I and later became a Corrections Program Specialist before resigning in 2002. He returned in February 2005, as an OAIII in the Records Department, where he remained until his retirement.

DOC Retirements Congratulations to the following individuals who recently retired from the WV DOC! We thank you for your service and wish you the best for any and all your future endeavors!

Name Effective Retirement Date Years DOC Service FacilityKay Fidler 12/31/2013 12 PCCRegina Stephenson 12/31/2013 13 MOCCRoger Bostic 1/1/2014 16 MOCCFay Walker 1/31/2014 18 MOCCHenry Casto 1/3/2014 29+ ACCSteve Fox 1/16/2014 16+ CO

Kay Fidler and Pruntytown Correctional Center Warden Debbi Minnix

Roger Bostic, MOCC

MOCC Warden David Ballard with Regina Stephenson

MOCC Warden David Ballard with Fay Walker

Page 10Chili Cook-Off Winners Selected Two DOC facilities recently held their first annual Chili Cook-Off. Congratulations to the following staff for plac-ing in the top 3 in their facility:

Pruntytown’s Chili Cook-Off Winners:

1st-Jeff Sickler2nd--Debra Linn & Robin Burleyson3rd--Jeremy Wright

Lakin’s Chili Cook-Off Winners:

1st--Robin Ramey2nd--Thomas Winer3rd--(Tie) Nathan Ball--Jonathan Fowler

Corrections Day at the Legislature: 2014 The 16th Annual Corrections Day at the Legislature was held Friday, February 14, 2014, at the Capitol Complex in Charleston, WV. On this day, employees have a chance to network with other DOC employees, state agencies and speak with government officials. Below are a few pictures taken at this years event.

Page 11WV DOC Welcomes New Employees

FName LName Title Facility

Telena Alexander COI ACC

Ryan Dean COI ACC

Randy Gilkeson MOCC Transfer/Lieutenant ACC

Benson Highlander COI ACC

Jeremy Morris COI ACC

Sam Wood COI ACC

Cortland Wylie COI ACC

Tanya Burdette CPS CO

Deena Carney OAIII CO

Carolann Caudill CPS CO

Deborah Croft CJS I CO

David Greer CPS CO

Kelly McCormick OAIII CO

Stacy Nowicki Attorney 3 CO

Ronnie Williams COVII CO

Christopher Combs COI DCC

Salania Evans Acct. Tech II DCC

Daniel Arbogast CC II HCC

Matthew Balducci CO I HCC

Tyler Belt CO I HCC

Marilyn Bennett Payroll Asst. HCC

Mariah Cassell OA II HCC

Adam Coffman CO I HCC

Anthony Currence CO I HCC

Laura Elbon OA III HCC

Travis Howell CO I HCC

Franklin Kitzmiller CO I HCC

Cynthia Martin CO II HCC

Andrew McCloud CO I HCC

Jay Nixon CO I HCC

Nathan Roberts CO I HCC

Matthew Russell CO I HCC

Stefanie Sharpe CO I HCC

Clarissa Shreve CO I HCC

Jessie Simmons CO I HCC

Jennifer Whitace CO I HCC

Ryan Zirkle CO I HCC

Sammy Brewster COI MCDO

Vickie Carrier LPN--Full Time MCDO

Jamie Church COI MCDO

Dakota Collins COI MCDO

Kristen Evans COII MCDO

Ryan Gray COI MCDO

Eva Hall OA MCDO

Christopher Haynes COI MCDO

Bo Hayslette COI MCDO

Kimberly Hicks LPN--Full Time MCDO

FName LName Title Facility

Julius Lash COI MCDO

Alfred Lester COI MCDO

Gerald Maxwell COII MCDO

Tara Morgan RN MCDO

Sherry Potter LPN--Full Time MCDO

John Ramsey COI MCDO

McKenzie Ramsey COI MCDO

Donald Roberts COI MCDO

Brandy Wallace LPN--Full Time MCDO

George Wessells COI MCDO

Christopher Williams COI MCDO

Amanda Berry Medical MOCC

Christie Blankenship OAII MOCC

Kenneth Bolen COI MOCC

John Bolen, Jr. COI MOCC

Charles Brown COI MOCC

Danika Brown COIII MOCC

Roger Brown Temp. MOCC

Heather Burke CCII MOCC

Allison Congrove COI MOCC

Jarell Curry COI MOCC

Danny Deal Temp. MOCC

Jarren Dufour COI MOCC

Joshua Duncan COII MOCC

Andrea Elam Temp. MOCC

Denver Fleming Medical MOCC

Thomas Fyfe Temp. MOCC

Dora Gaxiola Medical MOCC

Matthew Gunnoe COI MOCC

Daniel Hooper COI MOCC

Jason Hudnall COI MOCC

Christine Johnson Medical MOCC

Brandon Johnston COI MOCC

Zachary Kendrick CCII MOCC

Leigh Ann Knott Medical MOCC

Charles Legg Medical MOCC

Donald Lively COI MOCC

Amy McKinney Medical MOCC

Andy Mitchell COIII MOCC

Justin Neal COI MOCC

Nellie Payne OAII MOCC

Scott Polk COI MOCC

James Pritt COI MOCC

Jesse Ramsey COI MOCC

Twan Reynolds COI MOCC

Dennis Snider COI MOCC

William Sutphin, Jr. COI MOCC

FName LName Title Facility

Denise Taylor Medical MOCC

Kenneith Williams Temp. MOCC

Matthew Wood COI MOCC

Donna Clark CCII NCC

Nathan Clingenpeel COI NCC

April Cunningham COII NCC

Robert Flesher COI NCC

Cory Guzzi COI NCC

Sarah Henry COI NCC

Timothy Leedy COII NCC

Tina Paczewski CCII NCC

Scott Parsons COII NCC

Kenneth Powell COI NCC

Donald Proctor COII NCC

Donald Shriner COII NCC

Adam Tychonski COI NCC

Dave Whetzel COII NCC

Angela Bee OAIII OCCC

Karlin Dietrich Acct. Tech IV OCCC

Trista Rager CCII OCCC

James Roth COI OCCC

James Duncan COI PCC

Joseph Gallien Sgt. PCC

Tanis Goff COI PCC

Richard Stasny Unit Mgr. PCC

Scott Allberry COII SMCC

Derek Bayless COI SMCC

Justin Cochran COI SMCC

Corey Davis COI SMCC

Guy Duke COI SMCC

Sarah Fox COI SMCC

Elizabeth Gilligan CCI SMCC

Benjamin Kruskamp COI SMCC

Hillary Lamp COI SMCC

Martin Logan CCII SMCC

Tyler Masters COI SMCC

Heather Maxwell COI SMCC

Miranda Mayne COI SMCC

Erica Melvin COI SMCC

Jeremy Metz COI SMCC

Westin Metz COI SMCC

Earl Owens COI SMCC

Dennis Ritchie COI SMCC

Terry Stover COI SMCC

Stacy Toup CCII SMCC

Dwight Wilson COI SMCC

Page 12Certified Corrections Manager Lawrence Caldwell currently works at the Martinsburg Correctional Center where he started as a Correctional Coun-selor and then Unit Manager/Director of Classification.

He started his career in the field of Criminal Justice back in 1989 while working at a Com-munity Corrections Center for the Federal Bureau of Prisons located in Michigan. During this time he also worked part time in several different male juvenile lock up facilities. In 1995 he moved his talents to the Michigan Department of Corrections as a Correction Officer.

While working as a State of Michigan Corrections Officer, he worked in a female multi-level facility, adult boot camp as a Drill Instructor, multi-level male facility, Recruiter, Resident Unit Officer, Team Leader for the Emergency Response Team (ERT), and as a Sergeant. This was a done while also working to-wards his Bachelor of Science Degree in BusinessManagement.

In 2006, Lawrence left the Michigan Department of Corrections and would become a decorated officer with the Detroit Medical Center Police/Security de-partment the following year. By the year 2011 Law-rence Caldwell received his Master of Science degree in Administration of Justice and Security degree from the University Of Phoenix.

As a member of the American Correctional Associa-tion since 1996, Lawrence decided to take the next step and earn his professional recognition as a Certi-fied Corrections Manager (CCM). The CCM designa-tion is an indication of demonstrated professional-ism involving such activities as managing human resources, enhancing the institutional environment, managing offenders, managing a department; de-veloping/maintaining expertise, and general knowl-edge concerning the field of corrections.

We are proud to announce that Lawrence received this honor on February 1, 2014. Congratulations Lawrence and keep up the great work!

240th Basic Academy Graduation On February 28, 2014, the 240th Basic Academy Class graduated at the Lakin Correctional Center. The 240th Academy Class began with 25 cadets and finished with 22 graduating. Commissioner Jim Rubenstein, Deputy Commissioner Jim Ielapi and Director of Training Randy Perdue were on hand to congratulate the graduates. Correctional Officer Kyle McGee was awarded the Academic award for achieving the highest Grade Point Average. Correctional Officer Alan Miles received the coveted “Gung Ho” award for his outstanding leader-ship and motivational skills.

Class Speaker Office Assistant II Erica Thornton (LCC) and Office Assistant II Tonya Jonas from (PBCC) were in the top ten percent of the graduating class and were therefore placed on the Commandant’s List for excel-lence. Associate Warden of Security Joe Wood was the key note speaker. Warden Lori Nohe, Warden Anne Thomas, and Administrator Renae Stubblefield were present to congratulate their graduates.

Page 13WVDOC Promotions & Awards

FName LName NewTitle Facility

Charles Gore COIV ACC

Michael Hambrick COIII ACC

Aecil Rider COIV ACC

Philip Farley II Dir. of Const. & Eng. CO

Brenda Huffman CPS CO

Hillary Channell ASA I HCC

Andrew Hinchman CO IV HCC

James Plaugher CO IV HCC

Todd Scheller CO IV HCC

Daniel Vandevander CO III HCC

Douglas White CO III HCC

Stacy White CO III HCC

Inez Dickerson AWS MCDO

Kevin Baker COII MOCC

Richard Bennett Lat. Transfer--CCI MOCC

Justin Cottrell COIII MOCC

Jarrod Dawson Reinstatement-COIII MOCC

James Dodrill COII MOCC

Brian Fernandez COV MOCC

Andrew Hudson COIV MOCC

Ian Johnston COII MOCC

Anthony Kidd COII MOCC

Michael Neese Unit Mgr. MOCC

Brian Penick COV MOCC

Mary Perdue CPS MOCC

Kathy Rhodes ASA1 MOCC

Steven Tolliver COII MOCC

Laura Volpini COIV MOCC

James White COII MOCC

Nathan Withrow COIV MOCC

Christopher Wynegar COII MOCC

Ryan Adams Unit Mgr. NCC

Christine Forrester OAIII NCC

Michael Hill AWS NCC

Timothy Paul COIV NCC

Debbie Tedrow Supervisor I NCC

William Davis Lieutenant OCCC

Allen Utt CPS OCCC

Susan Bell Adm. Ser. Asst. I PCC

Christopher Marsh CCII PCC

Matthew Swisher Cpl. PCC

Jeremy Wright Inmate Mvmt. Coord. PCC

John Anderson Deputy Warden SMCC

Von Ash Case Mgr SMCC

Matthew Carson Investigator II SMCC

Marcus Casenelli CCI SMCC

Joyce Casto COII SMCC

Gregory Claypoole COII SMCC

Eric Harron COIII SMCC

FName LName NewTitle Facility

Charles Holcomb COIII SMCC

Patrick Hooper COIV SMCC

Steve Kalinofski COV SMCC

Sean Markey Deputy Warden SMCC

Betty Metz Case Mgr SMCC

Gavin Renner Case Mgr SMCC

Jason Stoneking Case Mgr SMCC

Zach Stoneking COII SMCC

Taylor Wetzel COII SMCC

Jeremiah Willey COII SMCC

AWARDS

Fname Lname Award Facility

Michael Hambrick Emp. of the 4th Quarter ACC

Cheryl Burks Emp.of the Month: Mar. 14 DCC

Joyce Cutlip Emp. of the Month: Feb. 14 DCC

Brent LucabaughEmp. of the Month: Jan.14DCC

Dorothy Adamson Good Conduct HCC

Harold Becker Good Conduct HCC

Justin Close Emp.of the Month: Jan. 14 HCC

Charlotte Ervine Emp.of the Quarter HCC

Angela McWilliamsEmp.of the Month: Dec.13 HCC

Richard O’Neil Good Conduct HCC

Laura Shaw Good Conduct HCC

Michael Valencia Good Conduct HCC

John VandevenderGood Conduct HCC

Charles White Good Conduct HCC

Kenneth Wingfield IIIEmp. of the Month: Feb. 14 HCC

Carl Aplin Emp. of the Quarter MOCC

James Barnhouse Good Conduct MOCC

James Barnhouse Emp.of the Month: Feb. 14 MOCC

Nicholas Boychuck Emp.of the Month: Dec.13 MOCC

Thomas Chandler Emp.of the Month: Jan. 14 MOCC

Andrea Evans Good Conduct MOCC

Lou Kemp Good Conduct MOCC

Katherine Rhodes Good Conduct MOCC

Steve Snider Good Conduct MOCC

Jered Taylor Good Conduct MOCC

Richard Thomas Good Conduct MOCC

Nathan Withrow Good Conduct MOCC

Tim Paul Emp.of the Quarter NCC

Ann Ickler Emp. of the Quarter OCCC

Robyn Burleyson Good Conduct PCC

David Carpenter Good Conduct PCC

Frederick Feathers Good Conduct PCC

Randall Jaggie-MooreEmp.of the Month: Oct.13 PCC

Darrell Lake Good Conduct PCC

Debra Linn Emp.of the Month: Nov. 13 PCC

ChristopherMarsh Good Conduct PCC

Fname Lname Award Facility

Vickie Mooney Good Conduct PCC

William Porter Emp. of the Month: Dec.13 PCC

Phillip Rhodes Good Conduct PCC

Melody Westfall Good Conduct PCC

Jeremy Wright Good Conduct PCC

Lisle Elder FCP Jan. Lead by Example SMCC

Eric Harron Emp.of the Month: Mar. 14 SMCC

Eric Harron FCP Jan. Lead by Example SMCC

Katherine Malone FCP Jan. Lead by Example SMCC

Troy McMahon Emp.of the Month: Feb. 14 SMCC

Katie Pratt FCP Dec. Lead by Example SMCC

Sheila Ramsey FCP Dec. Lead by Example SMCC

Rose Smith Emp. of the Month: Jan. 14 SMCC

Rose Smith FCP Dec. Lead by Example SMCC

THANK YOU! To the following individuals for their contributions to

this issue of the WV DOC Corrections Connection:

Jane Haddix

Susan Harding

Brenda Casey

Jim Rubenstein

Amy Boggs

Rema Jordan

Della Huddleston

Jane Haddix

Anne Thomas

Russell Maston

Jennifer Ballard

Amanda Anderson

Glenna Butcher

Amanda McGrew

Patti Withrow

Audrey Elswick

Lori Nohe

Phil Putney

Brad Douglas

Robin Ramey

Mary Childers

Valerie Roberts

John Sallaz

Debbi Minnix

Sharon Goudy

Karen Smith

Lisa Shiflett

Ann Ickler

Melissa Lafferty

Louanne Riggsby

Jason Duckworth

Amanda Peek

Kathy Cole

Page 14Notes of Gratitude Employees of Parkersburg Correctional Center:

“Thank you so much for making the Family Crisis Intervention Center of Region V part of your Christmas tree decorating contest. The children residing at the shelter had such a good time decorating the tree and enjoyed the tree in the toy room. The residents enjoyed the pizza party and thought it was very nice. Thank you for helping make Christmas for our residents brighter!”

Georgianna Hollopeter,

FCIC Shelter Director

Communty Outreach Director

“A HUGE Thank YOU to my DOC family for the many flowers, cards and emails and those who came to the viewing and funeral during the recent loss of my mom. It truly touched my heart! I have always told new staff that the WV DOC is a big family and the outpouring of love that I experienced just reinforced that~~Thank you!”

Debra Minnix, Warden

Pruntytown Correctional Center

“I want to give everyone one more reason to be proud of WV DOC staff! Through the recent water crisis, I received many offers from DOC employees throughout the state offering their homes for showers, laundry, eating, supplies, spending the weekend, etc... It really made me feel great to know that my co-workers cared so much and were there if I needed them. I greatly appreciated their generosity and feel our staff really are like my extended family!” Betty Slack, Deputy Director

WV Correctional Industries

Crime Victims Day at the Legislature

The Victims Representatives from Huttonsville Cor-rectional Center (pictured on left) spent a day in January at the State Capitol, bringing awareness to victims of crime. Huttonsville Correctional Center set up a display of all the projects they have completed since last year. Some of the projects displayed dealt with Victims Awareness month along with Domestic Violence month. The different representatives from each agency split up and either went to the House or Senate to be recognized. January 15, 2014, was also recognized as Crime Victims Day at the Legislature. Each group was presented with a Legislative Citation recognizing the day.

Page 15Challenge Coin Recipients

In January 2014 the Lakin Facility Character Profile Groups, “Barrier Breakers” and “Communicators”, hon-ored two staff members with Challenge Coins. COII Daniel Lambert was awarded the coin for his lifesav-ing measures regarding a choking inmate, and COII Timothy Farley was awarded the coin for assisting a

Tractor Trailer Driver who was involved in an accident prior to any Emergency Personnel arriving on scene.

Lakin Correctional Center is proud of both officers for their heroic actions.Warden Lori Nohe, Cpl. Bradley Snyder, COII Timothy Farley & Sgt. Thomas Weiner

Update: “Gavin Strong”

It was May, 2012, when two year old Gavin Morris from Ripley, WV, went to the doctor for what was thought to be an ear infection. But when the pain continued, he was rushed to Charleston Area Medical Center where a CAT scan revealed a tumor. He was sent to Columbus for further testing and was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma---cancer of the nerve cells.

Staff from from Pruntytown Correctional Center joined forces with what started a as a local campaign to bring attention to the disease. In just a short time ,“Strong Man” pics were being collected from all over the world in hon-or of Gavin and his amazing courage . (below is PCC’s “Gavin Strong” photo)

The mother of 4-year-old Gavin Morris, Tosha Morris posted the following on her Facebook page the morning of March 10, 2014:

“My baby Gavin became CANCER FREE this morning at 7:03 a.m. I knew he could do it all along. He NEVER gave up... He didn’t know how to - it was not in him. I want everyone to know that he DID receive his miracle, long ago.

I want Gavin remembered for his handsome smile, contagious laugh, and his witty personality, his love for video games; His iPad and movies, his passion for cooking, his positive outlook on life; His wisdom beyond his years, his com-passionate soul, his willingness to forgive, his thankfulness of EVERY God given day, and the simplicity and realism he brought to so many lives.

Please join us in celebration by paying something forward in his honor.”