New Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Joseph Burnette Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Joseph Burnette to Deputy Warden of Security at Wilcox State Prison (SP), effective December 1, 2020. As Deputy Warden of Security, Burnette will be responsible for supervising and managing approximately 188 security staff members and 1840 medium-security male offenders at the facility.

“Burnette has dedicated over 30 years of faithful service to the department,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “His experience and knowledge will greatly benefit the staff and offenders at Wilcox State Prison.”

Burnette began his career with the GDC in 1988 as a Correctional Officer (CO) at Georgia SP until his transfer to Telfair State Prison in 1991.  He was promoted to Sergeant at Georgia State prison in 1992 and transferred to Wilcox SP in 1993, where he served until transferring to the Department of Juvenile Justice in 1998. In 2000, he returned to the GDC as Chief Officer at Wheeler Correctional Facility. In 2007, he was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Calhoun State Prison. He served as Deputy Warden at Georgia SP and Coastal SP before being promoted in 2011 to Contract Monitor at Wheeler Correctional Facility, where he currently serves. 

Burnette earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas University. He has completed the following departmental training: Professional Management Program, Correctional Leadership Institute, and Warden’s Pre-Command.

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.