HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., signed a proclamation Friday, April 26, 2024, recognizing National Correctional Officers and Employees Week beginning May 5, 2024, through May 11, 2024. The proclamation is to honor the hundreds of dedicated correctional officers and non-uniformed staff at jail and prison facilities in Hawai‘i.
National Correctional Officers and Employees Week was established on May 5, 1984, by President Ronald Reagan, when he signed Proclamation 5187 creating “National Correctional Officers’ Week” to recognize the men and women who work in jails, prisons, and community corrections across the country. In 1996, the U.S. Senate officially changed the name to “National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.”
Governor Green said, “Each year, the first week of May serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that people make and the challenges they have to overcome when they work in this noble profession.”
At the proclamation signing ceremony, Director Tommy Johnson of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) said, “Our correctional officers and non-uniformed staff work tirelessly to support our mission to protect public safety. They and their families sacrifice so much every day that the public doesn’t see.”
Both Governor Green and Director Johnson recalled how correctional officers and non-uniformed staff remained steadfast at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to work through challenging times. They work with dignity and their efforts do not go unnoticed, Green added. “I’m profoundly grateful to all of you.”
The ceremony highlighted the dedication and sacrifices made by correctional officers and non-uniformed staff, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining public safety. The event was captured on video, showcasing interviews with DCR Director Tommy Johnson, Sgt. Blaze Moleta, and Adult Correctional Officer (ACO) Chris Foumai of the Waiawa Correctional Facility (WCF), providing insight into the essential work carried out by these individuals.
For more information and to view the video footage of the signing ceremony, interviews, and event highlights, please visit the link provided.