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Local News

Barry County Jail corrections officers are valuable community asset

This is National Corrections Officers and Employees Appreciation Week, when those in the corrections profession are honored for the importance of their mission, for putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.

 

When proclaiming the first full week in May as National Correctional Officers Week in 1984, President Ronald Reagan said the important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves.

 

“Historically, correctional officers have been viewed as ‘guards,’ occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails. In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles,” he said.

 

“The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections,” Reagan said.

 

The Barry County Sheriff’s Office has 16 deputies on its corrections staff; Lt. Pete Nevins is in charge, assisted by Sergeants Kellie Smith and Ryan Argo, Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf said.

 

“We take a wide variety of people out of the community, some with mental or drug problems or health issues, some who have to be separated from society, some who just made a mistake and put them behind brick and mortar and razor wire and tell our corrections staff to take care of them, and they do a fabulous job for the community; they make Barry County look good,” Leaf said.

 

“It would be awesome if the people want to send a thank you card to the corrections staff. It would be a good reminder that they are not forgotten, that they are an extremely valuable part of our community.” Leaf brings in an ice cream cake or cookies for the corrections staff as a token of his appreciation during every national appreciation week.

Cards can be sent to Corrections Staff, Barry County Jail, 1212 West State Street, Hastings, MI., 49058.

 

 

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