Submitted by Department of Corrections Washington State
Five state corrections employees working in Clark County have received DOC Annual Agency Awards. One works at Larch Corrections Center. The others work at community supervision field offices and other DOC facilities throughout Clark County.
The awards recognize employees for their continuous, outstanding work to improve public safety by positively changing lives as demonstrated by their accomplishments throughout the previous year. A total of 169 DOC employees across the state received agency awards out of a pool of 930 nominations.
“Each award recipient serves as a role model for their dedication and service to the department,” said Secretary Stephen Sinclair. “It’s a pleasure to be able to recognize our employees who go above and beyond to keep our communities and facilities safe.”
Due to the governor’s Stay home – Stay healthy order in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the department has postponed its regular Agency Awards ceremony normally held in April. Corrections plans to recognize employees in a formal ceremony at a later date.
The following employees received awards:
- Community Corrections Officer of the Year: Jennifer Kallio, Community Corrections Officer, Vancouver Unit 1
- Correctional Officer of the Year: Taylor Bergstrom, Correctional Officer, Larch Corrections Center
- Outstanding Performer: Gelinda Amell, Community Corrections Program Manager, West Vancouver Special Needs Unit
- Team Excellence (Strength in Families – Responsible Fatherhood Opportunities for Reentry and Mobility –ReFORM) Tamara Bull, Corrections Specialist, West Vancouver Office
- Team Excellence (Strength in Families – Responsible Fatherhood Opportunities for Reentry and Mobility –ReFORM) Ryan Hogan, Reentry Specialist, Vancouver Office
Larch Corrections Center, located in Yacolt, is a minimum custody-level prison with a capacity of 480 male inmates.
Community supervision field offices deliver services for people under community supervision who are transition back into the community. These locations are used for staff, programming and as a location for people under DOC community supervision to report.
Award Descriptions:
Correctional Officer/Community Corrections Officer of the Year
Presented to an officer whose performance goes above and beyond normal requirements and who demonstrates their commitment to the department’s goals and mission. This officer maintains a positive attitude, provides sound decision making, and a strong commitment to teamwork. S/he is an effective communicator, treating others with dignity, fairness, and respect. S/he is a positive role model and maintains professionalism at all times.
Outstanding Performer
Presented to an employee who consistently exhibits superior job performance and displays a strong work ethic. Excels in their position and is detail oriented, self-disciplined, and not afraid to take initiative. Plays a vital role in contributing to a safe and supportive work environment. Goes above and beyond by participating on committees or workgroups.
Team Excellence Award
This award recognizes outstanding teamwork within a group of department employees. The award promotes the spirit of teamwork within departments and between units. They have outstanding performance results due to group achievement. They are recognized for their superior performance and reinforce the collaboration and partnership necessary to achieve agency goals. This team’s cohesiveness is articulated and demonstrated by example.
More information about the awards is available at http://www.doc.wa.gov/about/employees/awards.htm.
