FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (19-21)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Chief of Staff
OFFICE 402-479-5713 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

May 3, 2019 (Lincoln, Neb.) -- Governor Pete Ricketts has issued two separate proclamations honoring teammates within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. May 5 – 11, 2019 marks Nebraska Correctional Officers and Teammates week as well as Nebraska Correctional Nurses week.

The nation has honored correctional officers and employees since May 5, 1984, when President Ronald Reagan issued a national proclamation to recognize those individuals who are, “essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost goals of security and control.”

NDCS Director Scott R. Frakes started his career in correctional services in 1982. Speaking from his own experience, he noted the complexity of skills that staff members bring to their roles as correctional officers.

“Much is expected of them.  In NDCS, correctional officers are the backbone of our mission: Keep people safe. They do much more than simply watch the doors. They are called upon to serve as role models, counselors, problem-solvers, supervisors, and more. I am very proud of their commitment to corrections and to the citizens of Nebraska.”

Director Frakes also gave high marks to nurses who work in the state’s prison system.

“They are a constant and comforting presence in the facilities. They are required to handle any number of health-related situations – from treating sprains and strains to assessing more serious medical issues. Their skills are called upon each and every day in numerous ways.”

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