2019 Correctional Officer of the Year Named

Commissioner : Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Officer Calandra Reese recognized

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) honored Officer Calandra Reese of Macon State Prison, as Correctional Officer of the Year at the 15th Annual GDC Awards ceremony on September 24 at GDC headquarters in Forsyth, Ga.  Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 400 guests. Making the award presentation with Commissioner Timothy C. Ward were Alton Russell, Board of Corrections Chairman, Christopher Clark and Donnie Pope, Board of Corrections, and Assistant Commissioner Ricky Myrick.

“Officer Reese is dedicated to the mission of creating safe and secure facilities,” said Assistant Commissioner Ricky Myrick. “She takes initiative and goes above and beyond to complete any duties that are assigned.”

Officer Reese has been tasked with the duty of ensuring the protection of the public by monitoring the perimeter for suspicious activities. On February 3, 2019, Officer Reese observed two inmates running toward the perimeter fence. She immediately called 911 to have local law enforcement assist, and at the same time, she observed multiple civilians outside the perimeter fence.  Thanks to her quick thinking and observation, the two civilians were captured, and staff recovered twenty-one bundles of contraband.

The Correctional Officer of the Year Award is presented to a Correctional Officer who not only exhibits outstanding effort and motivation toward job duties, but also takes an extra step to go above and beyond the call of duty. The winner must be a team player, support and actively work to implement criminal justice reform, provide suggestions to improve security and/or daily operations, display knowledge of policy and procedures, be loyal and respectful, and contribute to and participate in facility activities.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (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 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.