2014 Correctional Officer of the Year Named

Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Michael Whitteker Honored

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) named Michael Whitteker of Long Unit as Correctional Officer of the Year at the 11th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on July 7 at State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, Ga.

“Michael is a model Officer, showing integrity and good character both on and off duty,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson. “We are privileged to have him on our staff, and he is an excellent role model to others.”

The Correctional Officer of the Year award is presented to an officer with first-rate knowledge of inmate behaviors and policy and procedures.  The recipient of this award must display an outstanding effort and motivation towards job performance and duties.  

Officer Whitteker began his career with the Department in 2005 at Wayne State Prison. He has served in various capacities within the Department. His most recent assignment is supervising the inmate fire team. He is a certified Firefighter 1 and 2, Wildland Fire Fighter, Hazard Material Awareness Instructor, and Fire Instructor 1. Officer Whitteker serves as a role model for co-workers and inmates. Prior to his career with the Department, he also served in the U.S. Army from 1994 until 2001.

Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 guests.  Making the award presentation with Commissioner Homer Bryson were Assistant Commissioner of Administration & Finance Scott Poitevint, Assistant Commissioner of Facilities Division Timothy C. Ward, and Board of Corrections Chair Rose Williams.

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 10,500 employees.

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