Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

From fighting fires to park clean up

There are hundreds of Correctional Officers that work at the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) and dozens more coming in every day. But not many of them can say they do everything from cleaning up parks to saving homes from fires. Officer David Golden does all those things for the communities in Liberty County.

It all started on March 6, 2014 when Officer Golden started his career with GDC at Georgia State Prison (SP), where he trained as a Correctional Officer. He was then transferred to Long Unit in 2015. That is where he currently serves as an outside detail officer.

A typical day for Officer Golden begins with standing by for work details to come out of the dorms to be loaded into the detail vans. They then drive to the Liberty County Recreation Department where they are given their assignments for the day. That often includes doing things like cleaning up parks around the county for people to enjoy. Officer Golden also supervises the Offender Fire Team on calls. As a trained firefighter, he also oversees the training of eight offenders on the proper use of all the assigned fire equipment.

Officer Golden and his Offender Fire Team have the enormous responsibility of saving the lives and property of Liberty County citizens when they are threatened by a fire or serious accident. And being a part of that team is not just a daytime job. Officer Golden assists in responding to fire calls whenever he’s needed, including on nights and weekends.

Long Unit Superintendent, John Boyett, says Officer Golden has “expressed great integrity, communication, flexibility and adaptability along with dedication”. Boyett says he remembers being so thankful for Officer Golden’s help when Jesup, Georgia had a big brush and hotel fire. He says Officer Golden responded with the Offender Fire Team willing and prepared to do whatever was necessary to protect the public.

Assistant Superintendent at Long Unit, Jessie Williams, says over the past four years Officer Golden has displayed loyalty, dedication and professionalism. She says he has exceeded all departmental expectations by being helpful, courteous, accessible, responsible and knowledgeable in all areas pertaining to his job. Williams even says her contractor calls Long Unit to tell the administrative staff just how committed, dedicated and loyal Officer Golden is to the Liberty County Recreation Department. Most importantly, Williams says Officer Golden is committed to the Department of Corrections and his community.

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.