"This is one of the times when I am truly proud to be part of the Department of Corrections," said Director Patricia L. Caruso as she looked around the Kellogg Center ballroom. It was teeming with corrections officers, MDOC staff members, family members and friends. "We're all here to celebrate a group of people who I believe have some of the toughest jobs around, yet they do them with tremendous skill and dedication. Tonight is their night to shine."

The reason for the revelry was the Corrections Officer of the Year Appreciation Banquet and Awards Presentation, held on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. Officer of the year nominees from throughout the department and the 2007 Officer of the Year Steve Houck were recognized for their service to the department.

Director Caruso expressed pride in how well the Michigan Corrections Organization and the staff work together, noting that such strong collaborations are not the case in every state. MCO President Tom Tylutki read the Governor's declaration, designating May 6-12 as Corrections Officer Week in the state of Michigan. Senator Alan Cropsey presented Houck with a tribute for his achievement.

Michigan Department of Corrections, FYI Newsletter 051707