The Richland County Sheriff’s Office announces Wednesday that it is commemorating correctional employees for National Correctional Officers and Employees Week with a weeklong celebration.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187, creating “National Correctional Officers’ Week.” In 1996 Congress officially changed the name of the week to National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. Since then each year, the first full week in May is recognized as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, commemorating the contributions of correctional officers and personnel who work in jails, prisons, and community corrections across the country.
This week provides a platform to pay tribute to officers, nurses, kitchen staff, and other employees, both past and present, for the critical role they play in public safety.
The office’s press release states: The correctional officer profession is one of the most challenging careers one can pursue. Correctional officers keep our citizens and our communities safe. These officers wear many hats from day to day on any given day. Many people outside these walls truly do not understand what officers are faced with on a daily basis and often at a great personal risk. Our officers are among the most capable, committed, and patient public servants in the world. In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly challenging and difficult. The very important work of our correctional officers often goes overlooked, unappreciated and often officers do not receive the recognition that is well deserved. It is appropriate that Richland County recognizes many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component to our community.
To recognize the contributions made by corrections personnel, the Sheriff’s Office will be celebrating correctional officers for their courage, devotion, and ongoing commitment to protecting and supporting county residents by providing the following activities at the jail during the week of May 3-9.
The sheriff’s office observe a remembrance of former Richland County Corrections Officer Curtis Jackson on Sunday. Officer Jackson was a correctional officer who died unexpectedly in 2002.
The press release stated that Curtis was a tremendous example of a man with a servant’s heart and was known as the ‘gentle giant.’ He had a positive, faith-filled outlook on life and toward others. He demonstrated loyalty, a cooperative spirit, and a genuine concern for helping others. In 2002 Sheriff James Stierhoff retired his unit number #7c3.
Wednesday marked a remembrance of former Richland County Corrections Officer Ryan Cline. Officer Cline was a correctional officer who died in 2012 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Cline was described as a simple, kind-hearted husband, father, and son who loved the outdoors. He was a hard worker, a person who wanted to get things done, and all knew that he would have your back if things got ugly. In 2012 Sheriff J. Steve Sheldon retired his unit number #7c56.
On Thursday the celebration continued with Hungarian soup, cookies, and pop for all the jail staff. Pizza will be provided to the jail staff on Friday.
Saturday is a Day of Remembrance for all fallen officers in the Line of Duty. Over 600 correctional officers have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. These courageous heroes are forever remembered, and their light continues to shine through their memory, and through the selfless men and women who continue to serve each day, noted the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Steve Sheldon expressed his gratitude for the correctional officers and employees representing the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
