February 28, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2025
MCO CONTACT: Byron Osborn, MCO President, (517) 485-3310; byron@mco-seiu.org
MDOC CONTACT: Jenni Riehle, MDOC Public Information Officer, Riehlej2@michigan.gov
LANSING, Mich. – Christopher June, a Corrections Officer at the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian, has been named the 2025 Michigan Department of Corrections Officer of the Year.
The Corrections Officer of the Year Award is chosen by the Michigan Correctional Officers’ Training Council, comprised of representatives from MDOC, Michigan Corrections Organization, law enforcement, and higher education. The honor is bestowed upon officers who exemplify the qualities of an outstanding employee and who serve as a positive role model for others.
“This year was once again very tough; these finalists are without a doubt the best of us,” said Cary Johnson, Vice President at Michigan Corrections Organization and a member of the Officer of the Year selection committee. “What struck me the most was his difficulty in talking about himself; he focused on his team and his partners over the years. He was humble and understands the responsibility we have to each other and the community. Congratulations Officer June on the honor of being our Corrections Officer of the Year.”
Officer June has been an MDOC corrections officer for over 22 years where he demonstrates consistency, flexibility, and professionalism in all things. His attention to detail and care for others has helped maintain a high-level of safety in the facility and community where he serves.
“Officer June is deserving of this award for many reasons, both as an officer and as a leader at his facility,” said Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi E. Washington. “His positive impact on both colleagues and those he supervises is commendable. He is especially respected for his effective communication which has earned him a high-level of trust. On behalf of MDOC, I’m proud to extend our congratulations to Officer June for this well-earned achievement.
Officer June is often relied upon by staff and supervisors to de-escalate situations because of his ability to relate to others. This has garnered immense respect from the facility population, peers, and administration and shows that he is a positive role model for everyone that he encounters.
“I love the aspect of being able to help my fellow staff and help prisoners change their lives,” Officer June said. “(I am) super honored. To know everyone thought I was the best candidate is just a great honor.”
Officer June was selected by the Michigan Correctional Officers’ Training Council from a pool of five finalists. Finalists included: Corrections Officer Tammy Mantila, Baraga Correctional Facility; Corrections Officer William Fisk, G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility; Corrections Officer William Daniels, Saginaw Correctional Facility; and Investigator Ray Demaertelure, Absconder Recovery Unit.
2025 Michigan Department of Corrections Officer of the Year, Officer Christopher June.
Top 5 Officer of the Year Finalists from Left to Right: Corrections Officer Christopher June, Gus Harrison Correctional Facility, Corrections Officer Tammy Mantila, Baraga Correctional Facility, Investigator Raymond Demaertelure, Absconder Recovery Unit, Corrections Officer William Daniels, Saginaw Correctional Facility, Corrections Officer William Fisk, Oaks Correctional Facility
2025 Michigan Department of Corrections Officer of the Year, Officer Christopher June
Michigan Correctional Officers’ Training Council deliberates to come to a consensus on the 2025 MDOC Officer of the Year on Feb. 27, 2025 at Green Oaks Training Center.
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