Whereas, Correctional officers are skilled professionals who must act as counselors, communicators and experts at crisis intervention, and must preserve the safety of our lives and property, maintaining their professional demeanor while often facing hostile aggressive and intimidation behavior from prison inmates; and,

Whereas, These officers must possess the intuitive sense to resolve conflicts and save lives, while also preserving the physical ability to restrain persons representing a danger to themselves and others; and,

Whereas, We could not operate Michigan’s prisons, correctional camps, halfway houses, and county facilities without the hard work and sacrifices made each day by our correctional officers; and,

Whereas, The State of Michigan is pleased to join with the International Association of Correctional Officers in celebrating Correctional Officers Week, and in urging all citizens to pay special tribute to these men and women who serve so faithfully, often with little thanks or recognition; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of May 4, 2003, as Correctional Officers Week in Michigan.