Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Tanner Jordan and Emma Gleckler recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Tanner Jordan and Emma Gleckler as the Contributions to Profession Award winners at the 13th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on August 8 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.

“We are proud to present this award to both Tanner and Emma,” said Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward. “It was impossible to choose between the two, because they both made such an immeasurable and impactful contribution to the GDC in 2016.”

The inaugural award is presented to employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their profession, and who exhibit, not only, outstanding effort and motivation toward job duties, but take an extra step to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Jordan was recognized for his exceptional job during shakedowns at facilities by serving as a "Tunnel Rat". Officer Jordan climbs into walls, and navigating his way through the pipes and air conditionings ducts to root out illegal contraband hidden in areas where it might otherwise not be found. To see how Jordan searches for contraband, click on the following link https://bit.ly/2vBIvhj.

Gleckler began her career in 1991 and was the first female ever promoted to the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT). We recognize her for her role in the evacuations of Coastal State Prison and Coastal Transitional Center during Hurricane Mathew in October 2016. As a member of the transportation unit, she helped coordinate the monumental task of ensuring the right offenders went to the right institutions, while maintaining the normal transport schedule for other facilities throughout the state. Her hard work and dedication were evident, but what set her apart was the positive attitude she displayed while under the stress of coordinating the transportation of nearly 2,000 offenders to their facilities.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 250 guests.  Making the award presentation with Commissioner Greg Dozier were State Senator Tyler Harper, Board of Corrections member Christopher Clark, Chief of Staff Timothy C. Ward, Assistant Commissioners Ricky Myrick, Scott Poitevint, Jay Sanders, Randy Sauls, and Director of Professional Development Terry Edge and Director of Professional Standards Clay Nix.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.