WHEREAS,  correctional officers are trained law enforcement professionals dedicated to maintaining safe correctional facilities and ensuring the public safety; and

WHEREAS,  correctional facilities in the State are run by highly qualified and experienced individuals with a deep understanding of the challenges of the profession; and

WHEREAS,  correctional officers and employees are responsible for the custody, care and rehabilitation of thousands of offenders every year, as well as the maintenance of safe and secure facilities; and

WHEREAS,  correctional officers and employees are resourceful, capable, committed, patient and persistent professionals in criminal justice and our State; and

WHEREAS,  correctional officers and employees serve admirably in many different capacities, including jail administrators, wardens, chaplains, nurses, supervisors, social workers, teachers, managers and directors; and

WHEREAS,  correctional officers and employees teach, train, mentor, counsel and treat thousands of offenders; and

WHEREAS,  correctional officers and employees provide offenders with direction, hope and a new focus while assisting with reentry and life outside corrections; and

WHEREAS,  correctional officers and employees rise to meet any challenge and serve this honorable profession nobly and admirably; now, therefore, be it