Notes From All Over

Dade C.I.'s Finest!

Recently, the staff of Dade C. I. conferred with local and state dignitaries as to how we can begin to build a better relationship with our community. Senator Darryl Jones, Rep. L. Bullard, Former Florida City Commissioner Israel Andrews and Representative Carrie Meek from Washington D.C. suggested we make ourselves more visible. So, on a sunny Saturday in mid-January, Dade C.I’s Color Guard, Confrontation Management Team, and Shot Gun Squad participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Homestead, Florida.

The Confrontation Management Team demonstrated some of the techniques used to control inmates in a riotous situation. Conducting such demonstrations allows the community to view some different aspects of corrections. The community of Homestead was very impressed with the demonstration conducted by Dade C.I. and encouraged our participation next year.

Barber Best Bet

Late last year, Secretary Singletary recognized Ted Barber, Baker C.I.’s Personnel Manager, as Certified Public Manager of the Year. The ceremony was held during a training session for the newly formed Northeast Chapter of the Florida Society of Certified Public Managers.

Mr. Barber’s nomination was based on his assistance as Vice President of the Chapter. He was recognized for his managerial skills with DC, his efforts to form partnerships with local agencies, and his leadership as Chairman of the Union County Veterans Memorial Committee. That committee dedicated a beautiful monument in honor of Union County veterans and was attended by over 2,000 people.

Mr. Singletary stressed the value of Certified Public Manger Training to the success of his administration. The Northeast Chapter of FS of CPM’s goal for 1996 is to encourage all Certified Public Managers in Region II to join the ranks and become active in chapter activities.

Holmes For The Holidays

Seems like it's been ages since the holidays but Holmes C.I. did a lot of good works for the season. Staff from the main unit, the work camp, and the Caryville work camp stuffed the stockings of needy children in Holmes and Washington Counties.

Inmates in the Auto Body class (see pictures in the Compass) spent considerable time refurbishing bikes, scooters, and skateboards for the Toys for Tots campaign sponsored by the Bonifay Volunteer Fire Department. Buddy Shumaker (see picture in the Compass) is the vocational instructor.

Officer Randy Lewis (see picture in the Compass) was choosen as Chief Elf to oversee construction of toys at the Caryville Work Camp. The inmates turned out an amazing number of things considering this was a first-time project.

March of Dimes WalkAmerica

The 051 Tavares probation office has teamed up with the March of Dimes to "walk for someone you love" in the 26th annual WalkAmerica on April 27. The office will participate in the largest single walking event in the nation. The March of Dimes' mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. The Tavares office challenges all employees of the department to team up with the March of Dimes so that all babies can be born healthy. Our office will accept any challenges from any other office teams. Whatever your reason, this is the perfect time to do team work for a worthy cause!

Taylor C.I.'s Hero

Hats off to Robin Abney, a correctional officer at Taylor C.I., for her heroic act of pulling an unconscious passenger from a burning vehicle. On January 24, while traveling to work, officer Abney saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed--the vehicle stopped abruptly because it was on fire. Abney immediately stopped her car to offer assistance. After pulling the victim to safety with the help of an un-identified man, she checked to see if there were any other passengers in the vehicle. Later, Abney checked with the local hospital to see how the victim was doing. Superintendent Greg Drake and all staff commended Officer Robin Abney for her act of heroism. (See picture in the Compass)