New Warden Named at Burruss State Prison

Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Benjamin Ford Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. — Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner HomerBryson announced the promotion of Benjamin Ford as the Warden of Burruss Correctional Training Center effective July 1, 2015. As Warden, Ford will be responsible for overseeing 197 staff members and 767 medium security male inmates at the facility.

“Ben has shown great leadership in his various positions through the years,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson. “We are excited to see him serve in this new leadership role as Warden.” 

Ford began his career with the Department in 1985 as a Correctional Officer at Lee State Prison (SP). In 1992, Ford was promoted to Sergeant at Albany Transitional Center. In 1994, Ford was reassigned to Sergeant at Autry State Prison. In January 1995, Ford was promoted to Lieutenant at Calhoun State Prison, and later that year in October, he was promoted to Chief of Security, returning to the Albany Transitional Center. In 2000, Ford was promoted to Superintendent at the Thomasville Diversion Center. In 2003, he was activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom with the United States Army and served until May 2014. In June 2014, Ford returned to the GDC to serve as the Correction Special Assistant to the Warden at Calhoun State Prison. In February 2015, Ford was reassigned to Correction Special Assistant to the Warden at Autry State Prison, where he most recently served.

Ford served with the United States Army for 32 years, 11 months and 24 days, retiring as a Sergeant Major on May 27, 2014. Ford was activated for mobilization at three different time periods, serving in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, Operation Enduring Freedom, and at various Mobilization Training Sites to train and validate Brigade Sized Units for Operation Enduring Freedom. 

 Ford earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Albany State University and a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership from the University of St. Louis. During his career with the Department, he has completed the following training courses: Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT), Basic Management Training (BMT), Correctional Leadership Institute (CLI), Advanced Management Training (AMT), Georgia Management and Leadership Development (GMLD), and Warden’s and Chief’s Pre-Command.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners.  It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,000 employees.

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