Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Major Phillip Lockett recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Major Phillip Lockett as Trainer of the Year at the 13th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on August 8 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.

“Phillip has exceeded all expectations as an instructor, an employee and as an individual,” said Director of Professional Development Terry Edge. “He has helped changed the entire culture of POST IT and Sergeant’s Academy with his positive demeanor.”

This inaugural award is presented to any field or academy instructor who eagerly assists other trainers, maintains professional conduct on and off duty, adheres to and implements the POST standards of training, accurately maintains administrative duties and training records of their assigned facility, section and staff, ensures security and safety in the classroom setting, mentors new employees and supervisors, promotes teamwork throughout the agency, identifies methods to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the department, and contributes to the Office of Professional Development through acts of heroism, cost-saving, public safety, community service and interagency team building.

As a member of the Georgia Corrections Academy Leadership Development Unit, Major Lockett was assigned the task to improve the POST Instructor Training (POST IT) and Sergeant’s Academy courses. He took great initiative and formulated a plan for improvement. He utilizes innovative review techniques and selects students randomly to brief the class on what they had learned after each class of instruction. Through this process, he is able to help produce future, inspired and motivated leaders and much needed instructors who care for their students. In addition, he was in charge of two POST IT and two Sergeant’s Academy courses last year, and all four classes had a 100% pass rate.

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.