American Red Cross Presents Battle of the Badges Awards

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Georgia State Prison, Wilcox State Prison, and the Enotah Probation Circuit Honored

FORSYTH - Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) partnered with the American Red Cross awarded Georgia State Prison, Wilcox State Prison, and the Enotah Probation Circuit with the first ever Battle of the Badges awards at the Tenth Annual GDC Awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia.

"The Department is proud to award these facilities for working so hard to help a great cause," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "Even through competition, the Department as a whole strives to serve as one team," added Commissioner Owens.

This year long blood drive campaign is an effort by the American Red Cross to support the men and women of the GDC who protect and serve the public. Facilities and offices across the state were encouraged to host blood drives, competing against one another for the highest rate of success.

"There were 3,438 potential lives saved by the Georgia Department of Corrections' staff through the Battle of the Badges campaign Red Cross blood donations," said American Red Cross Business Development Director Melissa Barton.

Georgia State Prison was awarded the Largest One Day Blood Drive; Wilcox State Prison was awarded the Largest Overall Collection; and the Enotah Probation Circuit was awarded the Battle of the Badges Overall Winner and received Annual Traveling Trophy by the American Red Cross.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 guests. Making the award presentation with the Commissioner were Assistant Commissioner Timothy C. Ward, Board of Corrections Vice Chair Rose Williams, and special guest speakers Mercer University Athletic Director Jim Cole and Mercer University Men's Basketball Head Coach Bob Hoffman.

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.