PENDLETON –  Superintendent Brett Mize reports that the Pendleton Correctional Facility Administration recently conducted a Staff Assembly to update employees on significant events occurring at the facility and to recognize staff for their hard work and dedication.

Eight employees received monetary awards ranging from $250.00 to $500.00 in response to their outstanding work performance.  Several staff received “Years of State Service” awards including Facility Supervisor of Education Alan Holden who was recognized for 40 years of state service.  Correctional Officer Michael Brown was honored as Employee of the Quarter and Administrative Assistant Neil Potter was recognized as Supervisor of the Quarter.  Correctional Captain Robert Beaudry was presented with a special award in recognition of his foiling an attempt by a staff member to smuggle 21 cell phones and other prohibited items into the facility.  Mize praised Beaudry for his professionalism, vigilance, and decisive action which led to the confiscation of this contraband.

Pendleton Star Financial Bank Manager Chad Hammond who is a member of the Pendleton Facilities Community Advisory Board attended the event as a guest of the facility. Aramark Food Services provided a variety of refreshments during the program.

“Events such as this go a long way in fostering and facilitating teamwork and solidarity among staff at the Facility,” expressed Superintendent Mize.  Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner J. David Donahue echoed the Superintendent’s comments indicating that “such programs provide an outstanding forum for disseminating vital information and expressing appreciation to staff for the honorable public service they perform on a daily basis.”