Corrections_Today_July_August_2019_Vol.84_No.4

National Correctional Officers and Employees Week

Forever Heroes The highest of honors bestowed upon the brave men and women at the 28 th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony

T hese 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. Saturday, May 4, 2019 was a cloudy day that forewarned the chance of rain, yet it perfectly echoed the immense feelings from everyone present at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memo- rial in Washington D.C. It was a gathering of families, friends and fellow officers to honor the ones they had lost and to recognize the heroism of the living. Many words were used to describe the duties that befall correctional officers, including “boots and badges,”

Ellis Williams

“unseen heroes of public safety,” “the Night’s Watch,” etc. Each one expressed the humble bravery that exists in every correctional officer and employee. Julie Carey, the Northern Virginia bureau chief for NBC4-TV and Mis- tress of Ceremony, said, “What I’ve learned in what I’ve seen is that the job of a correctional officer is one of the most challenging and dangerous around — and often one of the most unrecognized.” In her introduction, Carey’s message rang with appreciation and respect for correc- tional officers in keeping the public safe. She recounted a time when she was reporting at a correctional facility in Missouri and how she felt completely safe under a correc- tional officer’s protection, saying, “I knew I could count on the man carefully watching — standing guard — in the corner of the room to keep us safe.” There is a nature of care that comes along with being a correctional officer, which is not only seen in public

safety but in inmate safety as well. Carey said, “During another prison visit in Missouri, to the women’s prison, I was struck by some of the uplifting work being done. I was struck by the civility with which the trustworthy inmates were treated.” Correctional officers are well trained, and their care makes facilities, programs and communities successful and safe because of their sense of duty and pride in what they do day-to-day. Carey con- cluded, “You truly are the unseen heroes of public safety and I’m honored to be here to recognize those who have sacrificed everything to keep us secure.” The silence that followed as the ceremony continued was as loud as the bell that tolled for the 30 correctional professionals who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, while a rose was gently placed in their honor and memory. White doves were released and soared over the crowd, symbolizing peace, freedom and rest for all the

44 — July/August 2019 Corrections Today