Corrections Officer Eric Jones, Deerfield Correctional Facility, has been named the 2006 Corrections Officer of the Year.

His selection was made by the State Standards Committee of the Michigan Correctional Officers' Training Council. He was chosen from nominees that came from every state prison and Field Operations Administration supervision region in the state.

In addition to their outstanding service to the department, candidates for the corrections officer honor are judged on

Corrections Officer Eric Jones

the basis of their work ethic, MDOC policy compliance, communications skills and professionalism.

Each must act as a positive role model and demonstrate sound judgment in emergency situations.

C/O Jones joined the Michigan Department of Corrections in 1999 working as a corporal at the Special Alternative Incarceration program. He transferred to the Deerfield Correctional Facility in 2003.

"C/O Jones' commitment to the department is exemplified by his knowledge and application of policies and procedures," said Warden Carmen Palmer. "He makes innovative suggestions which benefit the entire facility."

C/O Jones regularly executes new procedures to more effectively accomplish his assignments including the implementation of a new system for the facility's property room. He leads by example and is often referred to as the go-to person at Deerfield Correctional Facility. He is a trainer for both Riverside and Deerfield facilities and is an active member of the Minority Advisory Panel.

C/O Jones has an impressive record for outstanding community involvement. He is active in gang intervention and speaks throughout Michigan and around the country addressing students on the danger of gangs. In addition, he has founded a mentoring program for at-risk inner city children to improve their self esteem, school attendance and behavior at school and in their communities. He also provides a scholarship for an at-risk high school senior each year.

The Officer of the Year was selected from among four other finalists: Corrections Officer Brady Hull, Pine River Correctional Facility; Resident Unit Officer Neil Koenigsknecht, Carson City Correctional Facility; Corrections Officer Paul Raymond, Huron Valley Complex-Women; and Corrections Officer Tammy Trejo-Woodley, Saginaw Correctional Facility.

C/O Brady Hull, Pine River Correctional Facility, has been with the department since 2001. As control center officer, he was instrumental in the implementation of new and efficient procedures at the facility and his exceptional communications skills have enhanced the overall operation of the control center.

C/O Hull was awarded the department's meritorious service award for his outstanding efforts during a funeral run. Officer Hull is active in his community and attends Central Michigan University.

RUO Neil Koenigsknecht, Carson City Correctional Facility, is a 17-year veteran of the department. His thorough knowledge of the Carson City Correctional Facility physical plant has contributed immeasurably to the safety and security of the facility.

His knowledge and practical application of policy and procedure have made him an indispensable trainer for new officers as well. RUO Koenigsknecht has been key in preventing numerous potential critical incidents.

Officer Paul Raymond, Huron Valley Complex-Women, has been a corrections officer since 1999. He is a member of the Huron Valley Complex Emergency Response Team and is a qualified instructor in many disciplines. C/O Raymond's expertise with electronic security has made him crucial in evaluating, monitoring and improving the system. C/O Raymond is active in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics. He also serves his community as a first responder volunteer.

C/O Tammy Trejo-Woodley, Saginaw Correctional Facility, joined the department in 2001. She has an exceptional ability to deal with difficult situations and effectively de-escalate potential problems. Her organizational skills and attention to detail are valuable assets to the department.

C/O Trejo-Woodley is active in the Employee Club and takes the initiative to organize fund raisers for those in need. At the community level she has been instrumental in organizing a community group dedicated to providing hope to youngsters as an alternative to gangs, drugs and violence in the Saginaw area. She is currently working toward a Bachelor's Degree in Law Enforcement.

Michigan Department of Corrections FYI 021606