LaGrange Transitional Center to be Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Charles D. Hudson, Sr. to be honored at Building Dedication Ceremony

Forsyth - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) will host a building dedication ceremony to recognize the newly named Charles D. Hudson Transitional Center on Thursday, May 1, 2014 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the LaGrange Transitional Center in LaGrange, GA. GDC Board of Corrections member Duke Blackburn is scheduled to give the keynote address.

"The decision to name one of our Transitional Centers in honor of Mr. Hudson, Sr. was an obvious choice," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "Mr. Hudson's commitment and involvement with the city of LaGrange and Troup County over the past 60 years are tantamount to his passion for the community and the state of Georgia. We are honored to recognize his philanthropic endeavors to the city of LaGrange, Troup County and to the Department in the naming of the Charles D. Hudson Transitional Center."

Charles D. Hudson, Sr. was born in LaGrange, GA in 1927. He attended Georgia Military Academy and Auburn University where he was awarded an honorary doctorate, as well as an honorary doctorate from LaGrange College and Mercer University. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then returned home to serve his community. Hudson has served in many capacities for the city of LaGrange to include; LaGrange Chamber of Commerce, LaGrange Industries, LaGrange Historic Preservation Commission, Chattahoochee Valley Art Association, LaGrange College, and the LaGrange Board of Education. He has also served in many capacities for the state of Georgia to include; Georgia School Boards Association, Georgia Council of Economic Education, Georgia Department of Corrections, West Georgia Medical Center, Georgia Baptist Hospital, Scottish Rite Children's Hospital, Fuller E. Callaway Education Association, as well as many other organizations and civic clubs.

The Department currently operates 13 transitional centers with 2,688 beds. The centers provide select offenders the opportunity to slowly integrate back into society with a job and skills necessary to cope in everyday life.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.