Brothers and Sisters:

As the holidays approach, I am reminded once again about the tremendous sacrifice our members working in the corrections and law enforcement professions make as they serve and protect our communities.

While most families will be celebrating the holiday season together, many of us will be on-duty, away from our loved ones, often in harm’s way, as we fulfill our obligation to keep the public safe.

Too often that sacrifice goes unnoticed and is taken for granted.

Unlike our schools, libraries, courts, or offices of state or local government, the prisons never close, and the work of our officers on patrol and the vast network of personnel supporting them never ceases. In fact, crime often spikes during the holiday season, especially in the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and our 911 dispatchers are busy as emergency calls increase.

At our corrections’ facilities, the mood among staff is often one of frustration. The Department has been known to bend over backwards to appease offenders while the sacrifice of the men and women on duty is often underappreciated or ignored. That dynamic needs to change. We must continue to educate the public and our elected officials about the value and challenging reality of work inside a prison.

As members of Teamsters 117, we have a responsibility to speak out to ensure that our legislators understand the concerns of the men and women in corrections. I encourage you to attend our upcoming Lobby Day on January 26 so that you can convey that message directly. Happy holidays to you and your families.

Thank you for your service and dedication. Please remember to stay safe.

Respectfully,

Michelle Woodrow
President and Director of Corrections & Law Enforcement