Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and Happy New Year. Regardless of how you celebrate, this is a time to give thanks and be around loved ones.

The holidays are typically a time to get away from work. This is not the case for many of us who work in corrections. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I had Christmas Day off.

Prison isn’t a fun place – especially during the holidays. It is particularly difficult to work with inmates with mental illness. They require additional attention to prevent them from harming themselves or someone else.

"While inmates enjoy their Christmas dinner, our job is to ensure the safety and security of the facility."

While inmates enjoy their Christmas dinner, our job is to ensure the safety and security of the facility. To us, this is just another day fulfilling our duty to keep our community safe.

This probably isn’t the holiday tradition that you’re familiar with, but I’ve gotten used it. In fact, some of my best memories are spending the holidays with my corrections brothers and sisters.

The staff at the Monroe Correctional Complex do an annual Christmas potluck. These are the moments that bring us together and strengthen the bond we have to each other.

Although we see this as our duty, there is nothing more special than being with your son or daughter around the holidays. Traditionally those of us without small children volunteer to work on Christmas so that others can have the day off.

Although I usually pick up overtime on Christmas, I have it off this year to spend time with my two grandbabies. But as I enjoy my day off, I will be thankful for my other family that is sacrificing their holiday to keep us safe and sound.

In Solidarity,

Dave Roberts, CO2, TRU, MCC
Local 117 Recording Secretary