Category Lino Lakes Show all
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Shout Out: Lino Lakes' Officers
By Rev. Lynda Lee, Chaplain
I would like to send a shout out to all officers at MCF-Lino Lakes. Their training and quick thinking provides safety and care in so many daily situations. I am especially thankful for all who worked this last week of summer through short staffing and heat-related challenges. I am grateful for their example, showing up and working as colleagues to transform lives for the better.
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Food to People Pilot Program
By Kim Kind
MCF-Lino Lakes started a pilot project with a start-up non-profit group called Food to People. Food to People currently services homeless shelters and churches in the general Twin Cities area. As this program continues, they have been able to serve more people/families in the area. The food is making a direct impact on the community and is currently helping Minneapolis area churches where homeless families are hosted by the churches. This is a pilot project suggestion by Commissioner Schnell.
The food donated is leftover, untouched main entrée items that are quick chilled in the Food Services blast chiller and then placed in the freezer in freezer-safe single-use containers. Pick-up is once a week and started August 2nd.
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Lino Lakes' Alex Carroll Promotes to Sergeant
By Latoya Shelby
Alex Carroll started in 2016 and was on 3rd Watch for 6 months, and then bid midnights where he was able to learn how to operate almost every position.
From Sgt. Carroll: Once I learned how the facility worked I then bid B-Control where I was able to become very proficient in being able to assist in almost everything B-Control / Count related. I also became very familiar with A-Control as well! I was then in Triad for quite some time! So, I am very familiar with how everything operates in Triad! Made a short return to B-Control and have been on A-Team since 2022 where I've learned the rest of the facility to be able to assist in the best way I know how to!"
Sgt. Carroll began his Sergeant Assignment on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
Congratulations Sergeant Carroll!
L to R: Captain Eric Knies, Lieutenant Graham Besonen, Warden Shannon Reimann, Lieutenant Jessica Johnson, Lieutenant Bill Capocasa, Sergeant Alex Carroll, Lieutenant Mike McMahon, Lieutenant Steve McCarty & AWO Mary McComb -
Celebrating Lino Lakes Academy Graduates
By Latoya Shelby
MCF-Lino Lakes welcomes our newest Academy Graduates!
L to R: Captain Chad Oye, AWA Vicki Janssen, WOOC TDS Vee Yang, MNIT Michelle Huttner, Peer Recovery Specialist Michael Lee, AWO Mary McComb, Lieutenant Shannon Crittenden & Captain John Kelly -
Lino Lakes Segregation Evacuation Drill Success
By Latoya Shelby
On Wednesday, July 26, MCF-LL conducted an actual fire drill emergency evacuation of their Segregation unit. To everyone’s knowledge this was the first actual (not simulated) evacuation that Lino Lakes has ever conducted.
Seven A-Team members and four Segregation officers formulated a plan to evacuate the nine incarcerated individuals that were in Segregation at the time. Each individual was handcuffed and escorted to the Segregation courtyard where they were supervised by four security staff. All cells and pipe chases were checked for signs of smoke and/or fire.
Once the area was deemed clear, individuals were escorted back to their cells. Unclothed body searches and a special unit count were completed before the drill was deemed a success and the ICS was cleared.
Excellent work by the following team members that planned, facilitated and participated in this drill:
- Sgt. Matt Wallace
- Sgt. Dana Schmitz
- Ofc. Bill Gierke
- Ofc. Frazier Robinson
- Ofc. LeVares Pearson
- Ofc. Mike O’Fallon
- Ofc. Matthew Ness
- Ofc. John Lewin
- Ofc. Justin Hurtado
- Ofc. Joe Remitz
- Ofc. Ty Orde
Photos by Sgt. Kurt Brandes
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Thirty-Hour OSHA Construction Safety Training Course Held at Lino Lakes
By Randall Bergmann
Minneapolis Community Technical College (MCTC) Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) & Certified Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Instructor Hugo Morales taught a two-week OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Training course at MCF-Lino Lakes during the summer session.
MCTC students earned the certificate and learned various OSHA policies, standards, and procedures as they apply to the construction industry. This was the first time OSHA-30 was taught for college credit at MCF-Lino Lakes. The students were overwhelmingly appreciative for the opportunity to earn this industry recognized certification.
Over 120 incarcerated people at MCF-Lino Lakes participated in MCTC courses this spring & summer semester continuing to work towards their Associate of Arts degree and learn valuable trade skills. Several participants are planning as part of their reentry to participate in career technical programs at Minnesota Universities and Colleges.
Completion of this course is a wonderful introduction and gateway into the trade professions.
OSHA Instructor Hugo Morales -
Lino's Bergman Celebrates 10 Years of Service
Congratulations on 10 Years of Service to Randy Bergman!
From L to R: Captain Eric Knies, AWO Mary McComb, Education Dir. Randy Bergmann, Warden Shannon Reimann, Captain John Kelly & Captain Chad Oye -
Lino Says Goodbye to the White Shirt Era
In a not-too-distant past, where uniform trends had evolved to include every imaginable color and pattern, a small community of individuals revered the simplicity and elegance of the white uniform shirt. They were known as the "Luminous Few." In this department of navy blues and simple designs, they stood out like beacons.
The Luminous Few were the last custodians of the white shirt tradition, a fading relic from a bygone era. They believed in the timeless appeal of this humble garment, cherishing its versatility and the sense of dignity it bestowed upon its wearers. Each member of the community held a unique story of how they discovered their love for the white shirt, forming a bond that transcended time.
The Luminous Few's unwavering dedication to the white shirt preserved a fading tradition and reminded the department of the power of embracing simplicity amidst a sea of ever-changing trends.
Though the era of the white shirt had reached its conclusion, its legacy will endure. The Luminous Few’s vision and dedication to a clean & pressed white shirt had awakened a renewed appreciation for the classic garment. The white shirt became a symbol of individuality and authenticity, and the Luminous Few stood proudly as the last people to wear it, ensuring that its legacy would endure for generations to come.
And so, the last wearers of the white shirt found solace in knowing that even as the era is soon ending, its spirit will forever linger, inspiring generations to come to embrace the enduring elegance of a bygone era. Farewell White Shirts!
Come July 1st, all uniformed staff are required to wear navy blue shirts and pants.
Pictured from L to R: Lt. Bernadette Kingsbury, Lt. Shannon Crittenden & Lt. Jessica Johnson 
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Welcome to Lino's Newest Academy Grads
Please Welcome MCF-LL newest academy that Graduated on July 18th! Ofc. S. Kalib wrote the following speech on behalf of their classmates.
"It gives me great honor to have the opportunity to represent my academy at our graduation ceremony. Although my academy peers and I initially went down different paths in life, each with our own unique experiences, our shared passion for corrections has allowed us to be here together to celebrate the completion of academy. Today, we embark on a new journey --the beginning of a fulfilling career here at Lino Lakes.
These last 6 weeks of on-the-job training, as well as the direct support and guidance from our supervisor, training directors, and several senior officers has given us the confidence in our ability to perform recurring tasks, such as rounds, count, and shakedowns. We were also familiarized with significant policies and procedures, including how to properly handle an ICS as well as deploying our chemical when necessary.
There were many highlights during our time in academy. However, the most memorable experience was our reaction to the exposure of chemical irritant. Painful was an understatement.
As our trainers began to empty countless cans of chemical into the small shed we were standing in, my fear suddenly became a reality. Panic began to consume me as I was the last to attempt the one training day I was dreading since the start of academy. The instructions were to remove our gas masks as we were asked a simple question by our trainers. Once we fully answered the question, we were required to put our masks back on and press down on its filter as we blew as hard as we could to be able to breathe again. Once Erik caught his breath with minimal issues, this was almost enough to put my mind at ease. However, after witnessing Brittany, the toughest in our academy, unable to catch her breath, eventually causing her to run out of the shed, that is when I lost it. I began to hyperventilate, resulting in a full-blown panic attack even before I removed my mask. With reassurance from Erik and our trainers, finally convincing me that I wasn't going to die, I mustered enough courage to at least make an effort. Long story short, I ended up right alongside Brittany outside the shed. We were a complete mess. In hindsight, knowing myself, maybe I should have gone first. I think it is safe to say that this is to be considered one of the most unforgettable reactions by far.
Most importantly, there are numerous individuals my academy peers and I would like to extend our gratitude to. Brad Scibak, Lt. Crittenden, Leah Hanson, and Vee Yang --- we appreciate the time and effort each of you put into ensuring we all succeed. The warden, associate wardell$Our captains, and the executive team for taking the time to be here for us on this special day that we'll never forget. Every one of our FTO trainers for their patience, as well as sharing their knowledge and insight that we will take with us throughout our careers here at the DOC, and lastly, Erik and Brittany for being there as my support system to get us through
academy.
Thank you to every single one of you for the positive impact you had on us, as well as the role you each played in getting us to where we needed to be. My academy peers and I plan to do our part to make Lino Lakes proud!
Thank you so much!
Ofc. S. Kalib, CO 1 --- July 18, 2023."
Thank you Officer Kalib and team, and welcome!
From Left to Right: Brad Scibak, COI Brittany Scardina, COI Sueraya Kalib, COI Erik Peterson, CPT 3 Aimmy Casale & WOOC TDS Vee Yang
From L to R: Captain Eric Knies, AWA Vicki Janssen, COI Brittany Scardina, COI Sueraya Kalib, COI Erik Peterson, CPT3 Aimmy Casale, Warden Shannon Reimann & Captain John Kelly -
Congratulations to Nicole Hensley on Promotion
By Latoya Shelby
Congratulations to Lino Lakes' Nicole Hensley on her Promotion as the 3rd Watch K3/Utility Sergeant Position.
Sgt. Hensley started her career with the Department of Corrections in September of 2015. She has worked in a few different spots throughout her career. She started on Utility on 3rd watch, Triad, and West on 2nd watch. She is currently a Chemical Instructor and a part of the Honor Guard.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from Hamline University and was in the U.S. Navy prior to working for the department.
Sgt. Nicole Hensley’s first day on duty as a Sergeant was June 25, 2023.
Congratulations Sergeant Hensley!
L to R: Captain Chad Oye, Lieutenant Bill Capocasa, AWO Mary McComb, Sergeant Nicole Hensley, AWA Vicki Janssen, Captain John Kelly & Captain Eric Knies
