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.

September 2008
Sgt. Brian Matolka
Jennifer Road Detention Center

Sergeant Brian Matolka has been employed with the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities for over ten years.  Always the consummate security professional, Sergeant Matolka has been instrumental in providing a strong leadership presence on a shift that has undergone changes in its command.

Sgt. Matolka’s leadership ability and his Officers’ willingness to follow his directives to the letter are well and widely recognized.  Recently, he was called to the Intake housing unit A1 where an inmate had attempted suicide.  When Sgt. Matolka arrived on the scene, the inmate had no pulse and was not breathing.  Thanks to quick thinking and knowledge of first aid procedures, Sgt. Matolka took command in this stressful situation and was able to keep the individual alive until EMS personnel arrived, took over and regained a pulse. 

With demonstrated dedication and professionalism, Sergeant Matolka 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.

September 2008
Mindy Ellison
Program Specialist II - Training
Ordnance Road Correctional Center

Ms. Ellison commitment to training, staff development and professional enrichment is unquestionable and evident to all.  Her energetic and motivated approach to life-long learning is obvious and infectious.  She strives without wavering to be at the “cutting edge” of correctional training by ensuring the AACDF stays current with adult learning techniques concepts. She also strives to advance the field of Corrections in any way possible. Most recently, she was instrumental in bringing to fruition a Corrections “Tag-Along” program based on the police “Ride-Along” model.  Offered in cooperation with the Anne Arundel Community College, the program gives students the opportunity to shadow Detention Officers for a shift and experience first hand, what jail operations are really like.

Ms. Ellison enthusiastically fulfills her responsibilities, consistently demonstrating her commitment to ensuring the Training Unit and Department of Detention Facilities remain among the finest in the State.  Ms. Ellison is a credit to the profession and we are indeed fortunate to have her on staff.

August 2008

Michael Maxwell, Correctional Program Specialist II - JRDC

Everett Smith, Correctional Program Specialist II - ORCC

July 2008

Sgt. George McGowan - JRDC

June Harris, Criminal Justice Program Supervisor - ORCC

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