Garner Staffer Is DOC Correction Officer Of The Year

Correction Officer Sherry Richardson of Garner Correctional Institution has received the Correction Officer of the Year award from the state.

Officer Richardson joined the state Department of Correction (DOC) in 1992 and is one of Garner’s most reliable and knowledgeable staff members, according to a statement from DOC.

Captain Anthony Eason nominated Officer Richardson for the award.

In his nomination letter Capt Eason wrote, “Officer Richardson always takes pride in her work, accepts all challenges, and adapts very well to changing situations. Officer Richardson has also maintained an excellent employee dependability record and has always represented the department in a professional manner both on and off duty.”

Some of Officer Richardson’s duties include being a primary control center officer, a visiting/lobby officer, and a peer-mentoring officer. She is a certified trainer, a certified disciplinary investigator, and a member of the diversity council.

In addition to her demanding job, Officer Richardson finds time to contribute to the community. She volunteers at local convalescent homes, and her church where she is the youth president.

“It has been a journey,” said Officer Richardson. “I love my job. The staff here is excellent. I love working with people. It brings a smile to my face whenever I can help a person.”

Garner Warden James Dzurenda praised Officer Richardson and her work at Garner.

“She is the consummate professional, who not only ensures that the public is protected and our facility is secure, but she employs that same work ethic in her volunteer community work,” he said.

“She is at the top in our book,” said Warden Dzurenda.

 The DOC employs approximately 4,000 correction officers.