Department Recognizes Professional Excellence

The Department would like to recognize the fellow employees who received Professional Excellence Awards this year:

Debra Bemister works in the Record Retention Office. She developed a plan and provided oversight for the movement of over 500,000 prisoner records from a vendor-provided service to an in-house service. The project involved changing all aspects to the record retention process, including negotiating with the vendor, developing databases for information transfer and overseeing the relocation of prisoner records. Due to Deb's perseverance and patience, the Department now has an efficient and readily accessible record retention area and process.

Tamra Flowers works in the Kalamazoo Parole/Probation Office. Her supervision responsibilities include sex offenders, a specialized population with enhanced supervision requirements. Tamra has been recognized by both her supervisors and her peers for her positive attitude and ability to identify problems and implement solutions that improve the workplace. She serves as the liaison for Kalamazoo County's Residential Sex Offender Program (RSOP) and developed processes for a smooth transition for the offenders  in the program. As an RSOP agent, Tamra worked with the Michigan State Police to ensure offender compliance with the state's Sex Offender Registration Act. Tamra's conduct has distinguished her as a true professional. She takes pride in delivering the highest level of professional service to those on her caseload and she genuinely cares about their outcomes. Tamra's efforts have improved the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Paul Jensen and Craig Shreve are corrections officers at Ionia Maximum Correctional Facility (ICF). Their knowledge of the Secure Status Outpatient Treatment Program (SSOTP) make them both valuable assets to the facility. Over the years, Jensen has consistently displayed professionalism and a conscientious work ethic. Shreve has embraced the qualities important to helping offenders succeed within the prison setting.  Together, the two officers developed a schedule that met policy while providing both SSOTP and general population prisoners with appropriate access to various unit areas and activities. There are many issues with having a unit population that is blended like the one these two officers work in.  Their ability to meet the needs of both offender populations is commendable. Their efforts show the intense dedication to prisoners they serve, the facility and the Department in general. They demonstrate a level of personal and professional integrity that makes the Department proud.

Donald Matson serves in Field Operations Administration's (FOA) Interstate Compact Unit. Since coming to the unit, Matson has made a number of changes and improvements in the system, resulting in an efficient and respected interstate compact process.  Matson developed a detailed work statement and updated processes, documents and associated manuals.  These actions assisted field agents and FOA supervisors in the daily processing of interstate transfer cases.  Matson reinforced a positive work environment for his staff so they took pride in their level of workplace productivity.  Matson has also been involved in the implementation of new technologies for supervision and fee collection.  He demonstrates a deep commitment to the duties and responsibilities of his position and the overall operational efficiency of the Department.

Sherron Rimpson is a field agent for the Berrien County Parole Office.  He is recognized for his outstanding work and dedication to the Residential Sex Offender Program.  Initially, the program in Berrien County encountered several unexpected problems including offenders with mental and medical conditions, offenders without identification, and offenders agitated with being placed in the program. Rimpson approached each of these challenges and created innovative and meaningful solutions.  He assisted in developing better rapport between the Department, offenders, and community leaders.  Rimpson also effectively responded to offender issues quickly so the program could continue and grow. Rimpson's energy and devotion to ensuring the success of Berrien Parole Office's sex offender program is commendable, and his efforts in this area have directly enhanced the positive reputation of the Department. His conduct is an outstanding demonstration of professionalism that each employee should strive to achieve.

If you know or have a chance to meet any of these award recipients, please congratulate them on their accolades and efforts to improve the Department in a positive and impactful way. The Department is proud of their efforts to make a difference in their area of control.  In doing so, they have made the Department a better organization as a whole.