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Specialty tags honor corrections employees By: Cliff Smelley, Telegraph Staff Writer They work, primarily, out of the public eye, so it is sometimes to overlook them and the jobs they perform, but a new specialty license plate is now available to give what many would say is well-deserved recognition to these people. The Corrections Foundation Inc. received legislative approval to create specialty license plates honoring Florida Department of Corrections officers. The tags, available at local tax collectors' offices, are $25 plus the regular registration fee. Proceeds from tag sales will benefit corrections employees through the Corrections Foundation's employee assistance program as well as other future endeavors. Chris Akins, executive director of the foundation, said law enforcement officers are often publicly recognized for the efforts they put forth, but those who work in corrections are often not thought about since they work behind prison walls and are out of sight. Yet corrections officers as well as probation and parole officers face many risks each day on the job. Akins said many associated with the Department of Corrections felt it was time to raise awareness of these people and what they do. "We want to make sure they get recognized," Akins said. In Region 2, which includes Florida State Prison, Lawtey Correctional Institution, New River Correctional Institution, the Reception and Medical Center and Union Correctional Institution, more than $790,000 was provided in assistance: $60,750 was provided to 58 Florida State Prison personnel, $44,000 was provided to 32 Lawtey Correctional personnel, $70,500 was provided to 59 New River Correctional personnel, $83,443 was provided to 69 Reception and Medical Center personnel and $53,000 was provided to 43 Union Correctional personnel. A total of 16,163 corrections employees, contractors, retired department employees and people from various state and private agencies and businesses, make up the membership of the nonprofit Corrections Foundation, which was created in 1996. If you would like more information about the foundation, please visit its Web site at www.correctionsfoundation.org. |
I want to let you know how much I appreciate the check you sent to help with my medical bills. I have been a member of the Corrections Foundation since my first year here at Putnam CI. I find that even if you can only afford to give a little each payday it goes a long way and you get a lot in return. People may never find themselves in need but it has always given me great satisfaction knowing I could help make a difference. Anna Crews Correctional Officer Putnam CI |
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