| Outstanding Employees - 2008 | 
| Employees of the Year 2008 Officer George Smith Jennifer Road Detention Center Officer George Smith has been employed with the Department of Detention Facilities for over six years. His peers and supervisors describe him as hardworking, dedicated, and dependable. Officer Smith offers suggestions, arrives early for work, and frequently mentors new Officers. He is a member of the Special Operations Response Team, is firearms-qualified, a Field Training Officer, and serves as a SCBA fit test coordinator. He also serves his community by volunteering for the Riviera Beach Fire Department where he holds the title of Assistant Chief. | On Friday, October 6, 2007 Officer Smith was assigned to the facility’s disciplinary segregation unit. While conducting a security check, he noticed that the window to one of the cells was covered with paper. When he approached the cell to direct that the occupant remove the paper, he noticed that the inmate’s feet were awkwardly positioned on the floor. Officer Smith directed that the unit’s Control Officer unlock the door and upon entry, observed the inmate hanging from a sheet which was tied around his neck and to the bunk. | 
| He quickly radioed for assistance, then physically lifted the inmate to relieve the pressure and removed the sheet from around his neck. He positioned the inmate on his back and checked for a pulse and for breathing. Upon verifying that he had a pulse but was not breathing, Officer Smith then opened the inmate’s airway and performed a sternum rub. The inmate became responsive and started to breathe again. Officer Smith’s actions on October 6, 2007, as well as his dedication and professionalism, are a credit to himself, the Jennifer Road Detention Center, and the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities. | | Kathy Koontz Ordnance Road Correctional Center Though still a relatively new employee, OSA Koontz has already proven to be a valuable asset to the ORCC team. She is a motivated, diligent, cooperative, proactive team player, who takes her job seriously and is greatly respected by staff of all ranks and disciplines. Almost from the beginning of her employment as a lobby clerk, she has been security conscious and detail oriented. To that end she has, on numerous occasions, identified mail that has ultimately led to the validation of several inmates as members of security threat groups. In addition, she is always willing to help out, as evidenced in recent months by volunteering for considerable overtime to cover staff vacancies. | Furthermore, on 12/2/07 she, along with a security supervisor, were instrumental in preventing possible harm to a citizen who had called Receptionist Koontz to ask her to tell her inmate husband goodbye as she was going to commit suicide. Through initiative, quick thinking and good use of training, the police were contacted and able to respond to the location in time to thwart a potentially tragic end. For all the above, as well as her positive attitude, pleasant demeanor and genuine interest in representing the agency well, she is indeed deserving of this recognition. | 
| | | | EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH | | | July 2008 Sgt. George McGowan Jennifer Road Detention Center Sergeant George McGowan has been employed with the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities for twenty-six years. He is a dedicated career professional who is well versed in policy and procedure and is an experienced Special Operations Response Team member. Sergeant McGowan voluntarily served as Acting Lieutenant for Shift 2 for several months. In this role he managed the shift effectively and efficiently, ensuring that continuity of operations was not interrupted while the Lieutenant position remained vacant. In addition to serving as | 
| Acting Lieutenant, Sergeant McGowan remained on duty hours beyond his shift to lead a SORT action necessary to transfer disruptive inmates from a general housing units to cells. Also, acting upon his firm understanding of the role and functions of other Units in the Department, he intervened and saw to the timely release of an inmate onto House Arrest, who may have otherwise been overlooked. With demonstrated dedication and professionalism, Sergeant McGowan has proven himself to be a credit to the Bureau of Security Operations, the Jennifer Road Detention Center and the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities. |  | July 2008 June Harris Criminal Justice Program Supervisor Ordnance Road Correctional Center June Harris is a knowledgeable, versatile, and responsive, supervisor who has a “take charge” approach to the running of her unit. Her strong personality and security awareness has proved invaluable in managing her assigned building, especially important attributes recently as the inmate population has grown and changed. Ms. Harris is a “no-nonsense” leader who takes her job seriously. She is well respected by security staff and held in high regard by many of her subordinates for her willingness to roll up her sleeves and help out. On more than one occasion in recent months, she has volunteered to assist her staff and other supervisors during staff shortages. In addition, Ms. Harris is particularly effective in communicating with and handling inmates, ensuring a high level of sanitation in her building, and ensuring deadlines are met. | | June 2008 Edward Matthews, Correctional Program Specialist II - JRDC Sharneeke Lindsay, Correctional Program Specialist II - ORCC May 2008 Sgt. Christopher Foran - JRDC Jessica Durosky, Office Support Specialist - ORCC April 2008 Steven Darr, Officer - JRDC Stacy Dellavecchia, Storekeeper II - ORCC March 2008 James Camay, Facility Maintenance Supervisor - JRDC Michael Okocha, Correctional Program Specialist II - ORCC February 2008 Ronnie Lewis, Officer - JRDC Daniel Bennett, Officer - ORCC |
|
|