Employee Recognition

National Public Employee Recognition Week -
GDC employees receive two of seven statewide awards
During this national week of recognition, celebrated by the State of Georgia May 2 - 8, 2004, Governor Sonny Perdue presented awards in seven categories at a ceremony honoring state employees who made outstanding contributions. Awards were made in seven categories:

• Customer Service
• Community Service
• Heroism
• Innovations/Suggestions
• Leadership
• Safety
• Teamwork

The department was honored to have employees nominated in all seven categories. Two of our employees were recognized as the state winners and two were recognized with honorable mentions

State Winner - Heroism Transfer Officer Terry Hicks at Lee State Prison received the State Winner award for Heroism. His quick actions taken at the scene of an automobile accident saved the life of a two-year old child.

State Winner - Innovations/Suggestions Deputy Warden of Security/Care and Treatment Roy T. Edgerton, Jr. of Hays State Prison received the award for Innovations/ Suggestions. His suggestion that we implement a shoe repair program saved $21,000, with savings continuing to this day.

State Winner Honorable Mention - Customer Service Employment Manager Debra Roberts at LaGrange Transitional Center received Honorable Mention recognition for Customer Service, for developing a GED education program at the center.

(NO PHOTO) Honorable Mention - Community Service Probation Officer Michelle Owens at the Valdosta Probation Office Center received Honorable Mention recognition for Community Service for her work for a local rape crisis center and her other community service volunteer work.

Employee Recognition - It's a year-round program
During Public Employee Recognition Week the department held several recognition programs, at every facility, office, and in the central office. This one week program has evolved, under Commissioner Donald's direction, into a year-round program. Under the slogan "One Team!", the program honors individuals and teams for outstanding contributions in customer service, community service, and excellent performance. Events such as department award ceremonies and team-building events build camaraderie and emphasize the customer service/public safety mission of the department.