Category Lino Lakes Show all
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Congratulations to Lino Lakes' Lieutenant Kingsbury for Employee Recognition Award Nomination
By Latoya Shelby
Congratulations to Lt. Kingsbury who received an Employee Recognition Award nomination in the category Above & Beyond.
L to R: OSI Investigator Matt Swanson, AWA Vicki Janssen, Lt. Bernadette Kingsbury, Warden Shannon Reimann, AWO Mary McComb & Captain Eric Knies -
Shout Out: Lino Lakes Sergeant James Schmitt
By Jay Olson
Sergeant James Schmitt (MCF-LL) received an appreciation certificate on March 27, 2023 for his “dedication and commitment" as a Master Instructor-Weapons.
Jim was always willing to help. He did a lot of the behind-the-scenes things that you don't see, but are necessary for the success of training. His contributions to our Weapons training program will be missed.
Jim is retiring later this month.
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Please Welcome Lino Lakes' March 14 Graduating Academy
By Latoya Shelby
Lino Lakes welcomed a new round of Academy Graduates on March 14, 2023. Each graduate provided a brief bio below the group photo to introduce themselves.
L to R: COI Aubrey Gill, COI Bryson Klar, COI Ger Lor, COI Alex Hart & Cook Coordinator Korto Baker
Cook Coordinator Korto Baker
My name is Korto Baker and I'm from Liberia and a proud mother. I also love to learn new things.
COI Aubrey Gill
My name is Gill the last job was at a place called Boot Barn and I also currently am in the National guard as a CBRN in mid-February will be my two years working in the guard. Some of my hobbies are going out into the world and going on mini adventures, drawing, working out and playing games. I am excited and am willing to learn about what this job and what it entails. I can't wait to start learning and working with you guys.
COI Alex Hart
My name is Adam Hart. On my spear time I enjoy working out at the gym, playing basketball, & spending time with my mom and dad. I have 8yrs or experience in security. My last job I was an Security Officer at Regions hospital. I hope I can make working at Minnesota Department of Corrections a long-term career.
COI Ger Lor
My name is Ger Lor. I’m an active person. I love playing sports, most sports. I see myself as a people-person; A very approachable person for sure. I used to work as a PCA before I started at the DOC. Another fact, I’m the 12th out of 13th children. Always a knowledge seeking person, so my curiosity level is high. I believe that knowing more is better than less. Hope to start the year as a CO with some amazing time and learn new skills.
COI Joseph Nasal
I am Joseph NaSal and what brought me to corrections is that I have a degree in Criminal Justice and I have a passion to help others where I can and be a great influence to others around me. I have been currently serving in the army reserves for the last 17 years and 3 more to go I will be retiring from the military. I grew up in Red Wing Minnesota and hope to retire from the Department of corrections with great memories and long lasting memories.
COI Bryson Klar
I am Bryson Klar, I previously worked in underground utilities putting in underground power lines up north. I recently moved from a small town to the big city so it’s a lot of change but I am excited to get into it. I’m also a big NBA and OKC fan.
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Congratulations to Lino Lakes' Samantha Ortman on 15 Years of Service
By Latoya Shelby
Work out of class (WOOC) Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) Psych Services Director, Samantha Ortman, recently celebrated reaching 15 years of state service!
Congratulations!
L to R: AWA Vicki Janssen, AWO Mary McComb, WOOC SOTP Psych Services Director Samantha Ortman, Behavioral Health Services Director Shanna Langston, Warden Shannon Reimann & Captain Chad Oye -
Lieutenant Promotions at Lino Lakes for Sgt. Mitch Weber and Sgt. Nate Giller.
By Cpt. Eric Knies
We are excited to announce two Lieutenant promotions at Lino Lakes. Sgt. Mitch Weber will assume duties as one of our 1st watch Watch Commanders and Sgt. Nate Giller will assume the duties as a utility Lieutenant. Both began their new role with the facility on March 15, 2023.
Mitch Weber began his career with the department in 2008 as an officer. Prior to working with the Department of Corrections, Lt. Weber attended Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN while working as an In-Home Support Specialist.
Since working at Lino Lakes, Mitch was a SORT member for 7 years. During that time, he became a FN-303 Armorer and an Instructor. He also worked with the Department of Corrections K-9 Team for 6 years as a “Decoy" and assisted the DOC's Dual-Purpose K-9 Handlers in training Narcotics Detection, Apprehension, and Human Tracking. Mitch is a current member of the DOC's Crisis Intervention Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and the Lino Lakes' Special Olympics committee.
Nate Giller began his career with the department in 2012 as an officer. He promoted to Sgt. in 2020 to K4 on 3rd shift and recently transitioned to the South Unit. Nate is also active or has participated in the following: CIT, FTO, Mentor, Safety Committee, and a former ICMS team member.
Please welcome both Mitch and Nate into their new roles.
L to R: Captain Chad Oye, Captain John Kelly, Lt. Mitch Weber, AWO Mary McComb & Captain Knies
L to R: Captain Knies, Captain John Kelly, Lt. Nate Giller, AWO Mary McComb & Captain Chad Oye -
Congratulations to Lois Tucke on 30 Years of Service
By Latoya Shelby
ASL Interpreter, Lois Tucke, recently celebrated 30 years of state service. Congratulations!
Left to Right: Capt. Chad Oye, Lt. Joe Rosier, AWA Vicki Janssen, ASL Interpreter Lois Tucke, AWO Mary McComb, Warden Shannon Reimann, Capt. Eric Knies & Capt. John Kelly -
Lino Lakes Lieutenant Jessica Johnson Nominated for Employee Recognition Award: Volunteer
By Latoya Shelby:
I'm nominating Lieutenants Jessica Johnson (pictured), Kipp Forschen, William (Bill) Capocasa, and Shannon Crittenden (not pictured) for always being the first individuals to volunteer their time for walk-in interviews. Even when they are in the middle of important and/or time-consuming tasks, I know that I will always receive an email or call from these individual to assist with the interview. I appreciate them for helping me with this process and would like to show them thanks.
Left to Right: OAS LaToya Shelby & Lt. Jessica Johnson 
Left to Right: Captain Chad Oye, AWA Vicki Janssen, Warden Shannon Reimann, Lt. Jessica Johnson, AWO Mary McComb, Captain Eric Knies & Captain John Kelly -
Lino Lakes' Christopherson Nominated for Outstanding Individual Performance Award
By Latoya Shelby:
Congratulations to Officer Christopherson for being nominated for an Employee Recognition Award for Outstanding Individual Performance!
Officer Ken Christopherson was anonymously nominated for an Employee Recognition Award for Outstanding Individual Performance.
On August 18, 2022 while working at Lino Lakes, Officer Ken Christopherson was providing security coverage in the dining hall. As multiple IPs were in the hall eating their lunch meal, Christopherson noticed an Incarcerated Person who stood up with both his hands around his throat and begin to walk in his direction. Christopherson asked the IP if he was choking, to which the IP nodded his head yes. Without delay or hesitation, Christopherson began administering Heimlich thrusts to the IPs abdomen. It took several thrusts before the item became dislodged and the IP was able to breath again. Christopherson's actions were heroic and undoubtedly prevented serious injury to the incarcerated person. The department is fortunate to have such an exemplary example of professionalism and compassion not only to his coworkers, but the incarcerated population as well.
Left to Right: OSI Investigator Matt Swanson, Captain Eric Knies, AWA Vicki Janssen, Ofc. Ken Christopherson, Warden Reimann, Capt. Chad Oye & Capt. John Kelly -
Congratulations to Lino Lakes February Academy Graduating Class
By Latoya Shelby:
Congratulations to the new academy that graduated on February 14, 2023. Welcome to the DOC family.
Left to Right: RN Caroline Jenson, COI Ryan Hopwood, COI Aaron M. Alt, COI Samuel Staats, COI Alexandra Appel, COI McKenna Gieske, COI Ivon Beckman, COI Aliakbar Mohammadyari, COI Tim Schleicher, COI Arthur Willie, COI Eric Yang & PFA Program Manager Rodney Else -
Lt. Kevin Dotson Retires After 28 Years of Service
By Latoya Shelby:
Kevin Dotson started his career with the DOC in 1994, most recently serving as the Training Department Liaison Lieutenant. Before his current position, Lt. Dotson was the South Unit Program Lieutenant. He also was a Watch Commander on 1st, 3rd and 2nd Watches.
In his 28 years of State Service, Lt. Dotson has worked in various roles and positions within the DOC, in 2019 He was the Diversity and Inclusion Officer / Southern Region Recruitment Coordinator for the DOC.
In 2009 he worked as an Investigator with the Office of Special Investigations at MCF-Faribault.
He has also participated in various committees and other programs such as the Security Threat Group Committee, Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), MCF-LL Youthful Offender Mentor Program, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Team, Foundation of Leadership Instructor and Co-Developer of the MN Dept. of Corrections Respectful Communication Training Course.
Lt. Dotson also participated in the evolution and development of the Annual Black History Celebration Event, Native American History Celebration Event and the MCF-Lino Lakes Bridges Program.
Over the course of his career, it has been his priority to consistently maintain a professional demeanor in his appearance, communication and attitude, and to positively influence his co-workers and the incarcerated person population in reflecting the Values and Mission of the MN Department of Corrections.
Lt. Dotson concluded his service on January 12, 2023.
Left to Right: Captain Chad Oye, Lt. Kevin Dotson, Captain John Kelly & Captain Eric Knies 
Left to Right: Lt. Michael McMahon, Captain Chad Oye, HR Dir. Stephanie Suloff, Warden Shannon Reimann, AWO Mary McComb, Captain John Kelly & Captain Eric Knies
