His boss, Capt. Bonnie L. Barnes, says the humor comes from his keen observation of life and his capability to put things into proper perspective.

"On those days when everything goes wrong, he can tell when you really need a reminder that things could be worse. When things are tense, he knows if an appropriate joke

will ease tension," she said. She recalls a practical joke Picotte played on a lieutenant.

"Over the course of a week," she said, "the lieutenant's car was moved over one space and left facing the other direction. The lieutenant wasn't

sure whether he'd parked it that way or whether it was being moved, but he got the message when the whole shift was waiting for him to come out after work at the end of the week."

Picotte didn't complain when his car was moved to the far side of the parking lot the next night.

"Picotte appreciates a good joke pulled on him, too," said Barnes. "He is able to effectively use humor in the workplace in a successful, productive manner."

"The job can be difficult. It requires a lot of focus and knowledge but you've got to be able to laugh, too," said Picotte.

Picotte has been employed at the Chippewa facility since 1993, shortly after graduating from Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie.

"It was the best decision I ever made," he said, discussing the decision to come to the MDOC as an officer.

"We're certainly the richer for that decision," said ADW Richard Faust. "His demeanor and the way he accomplishes all assigned duties are a reflection of the pride he takes in himself and his job.

"His integrity, intelligence, instincts and abilities make the work environment better for everyone," he said.

Setting a good example is the primary way officers have of influencing prisoners, Picotte said, adding that he is careful with his grooming.

He treats prisoners with respect.

"I am a firm believer in the golden rule whether dealing with staff or prisoners. Good communication is key," Picotte said. "When you work here awhile you find out that prisoners are just people."

Faust said Picotte is aware of how his actions affect prisoners. He knows that "treating a prisoner with respect can teach the prisoner to respect others. He knows that listening to a complaint and taking the time to explain an issue can prevent a hostile reaction. He knows that a true word of encouragement or compliment for a job well done can make a tremendous difference - both to staff and prisoners."

Excuses don't carry much weight with him.

"You have to take responsibility for your actions," he said. "That includes not ‘spinning' prisoners or passing the buck onto others when prisoners ask questions. I give the information they're seeking, even if they don't want to hear it, and if I don't know the answer, I get the information and get back to them," he said.

Picotte is a Chippewa Indian from the White Earth Reservation who moved to Michigan from Minnesota when he was a youngster.

His parents are both educators and his father is a former superintendent for the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

He has taken his parents' love of education and applied it to his career. At Chippewa Temporary, Picotte is an enthusiastic trainer.

He teaches perimeter security, firearms qualification and the use of chemical agents. His specialty areas are vehicle pullovers and deployment of chemical agents.

He's a passionate supporter of the MDOC's policies and training. " I don't take my job for granted. I appreciate the potential for advancement," he said.

"It can get frustrating but we're paid to handle frustrating situations and still remain professional," he said.

"One of Officer Picotte's most admirable personal characteristics is his integrity," said Capt. Barnes. "He maintains an exceptional ethic and moral personal code that is unshakable. He won't sacrifice his personal values, use or step on anyone for personal gain or promotion."

His assessment skills and his reputation for honesty and fairness help him de-escalate difficult situations.

"He reacts quickly and professionally when we have problems. When others might freeze or overreact, Picotte steps in and takes the appropriate action," said Barnes. He intervened when a prisoner was attempting suicide by cutting his wrist and throat, assessed the situation, formulated a plan to secure the prisoner without endangering staff and calmed the prisoner down through de-escalation techniques. On another occasion he intervened and restrained a mentally ill prisoner who had injured his own finger and was flicking blood on staff while resisting restraint.

Married and the father of two, Picotte works hard to make room for this family life and to spend time with his children.

"It's important to separate work from your personal life," he said. "I don't take my job home with me. It can adversely affect your personal life and the resulting problems are then taken back inside the prison."

An avid outdoor sports fan, Picotte is co-creator and sponsor of a popular Internet wildlife forum that provides information on outdoor sports and conservation.