Category Recognition Show all
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Faribault's Dahlen, Guhl & Kline Recognized for Lifesaving/Heroic Act!
By Melissa Paquette
On October 12, 2023, an accident occurred at MCF-FRB during the 3rd/1st watch shift change. The weather was awful. It was raining, cold and the wind was blowing so hard it was coming down sideways. Those conditions, unfortunately, contributed to an accident on grounds in which one staff was struck by a vehicle.
Staff who were close immediately responded to the scene and provided assistance, including tending to each staff involved in the accident, directing traffic, contacting 911, etc. First Responders arrived on scene and the injured staff was transported to the hospital. Emergency contacts were attempted without luck.
Captain Dahlen stayed with the injured staff until they were discharged from the hospital and also assisted this staff in getting home. Both the injured staff as well as the driver were contacted over the next several days to let them know they were in the thoughts of all facility staff.
Thank you Sgt. Guhl, Sgt. Kline & Capt. Dahlen!
Capt. Chris Mitchell & Sgt. Scott Guhl 
Capt. Martin Dahlen & AWO Sue Hughes 
Sgt. Jon Kline & Lt. Amy Mueller -
Refrigeration Mechanic, Troy Burgess Recognized at Faribault!
By Melissa Paquette
On December 25, 2023, MCF-FRB experienced a concerning situation with the steam system in Industry. Troy was contacted by the Watch Commander to see if he'd be willing to come into the facility and deal with the problem.
Troy modified his plans on Christmas day, reported to the facility and shut the steam off which kept the moisture from building in an electrical room.
Thank you Troy for going "Above & Beyond the Call of Duty"!!
Left to Right: Troy Burgess & Supv. Scott Ewest -
Faribault's Quimby Recognized for Lifesaving Efforts!
By Melissa Paquette
On December 13, 2023, CMS Steve Quimby was working OT when an IP was unable to speak and having difficulty breathing while in the dining hall. An ICS was activated for an IP choking. Steve responded immediately, administered the Heimlich Maneuver, the food became dislodged and the IP was able to breathe again. Steve's actions definitely saved the IP's life!
Thank you Steve!
Left to right: Steve Quimby & Supv. Ryan Hansen -
Transforming Lives Award Winner: Lino Officer Rachel Ryan
By Latoya Shelby
The following narrative was submitted on behalf of Officer Rachel Ryan's award nomination.
Officer Ryan Volunteers at a local equestrian facility in Lino Lakes. Officer Ryan works first watch at the Lino Lakes Facility and when she gets off of work, she goes to the equine facility to help care for the horses. She spends hours a day several days a week feeding, exercising horses and cleaning up after the horses at the equine facility.
This facility houses several horses that are involved in a program that uses horses that need a job and helps them find a second purpose in life. These are horses that may not have ended up in good situations otherwise and may be considered for kill pen.
This facility provides an outlet for several Officers and their families throughout multiple Department of Corrections facilities as well as the local community. This program works with children and adults alike. This program thrives on helping people build confidence and independence through working with horses as well as destressing and connecting with their family members when doing group lessons. Several clients of this program not only come to the facility to learn how to ride, but to learn more about themselves and help heal some of the traumas that they have had to endure in life. Although this program is not a “Equine Therapy” program, therapy does occur between the clients and the horses. Some of the horses in the program come with their own scars and trauma, and through working with people and volunteers they have also begun their own healing process.
Without Volunteers like Ofc. Ryan this facility would not be able to keep their doors open and keep up on the quality of care that the horses need in order to provide the service to the community that they do. Officer Ryan makes sure that the horses not only receive their feed and supplements on a regular basis but that their stalls are immaculately cleaned. Ofc. Ryan helps make sure that the isles are clear and in great condition for students to have a safe area to groom and saddle horses. Ofc. Ryan in addition to helping this program has also volunteered her time to help other people who benefit our community care for their horses while they were enduring hardships in life and could not provide physical care to their animals. Ofc. Ryan shows exemplary team work as a volunteer and is always willing to go above and beyond when it comes to the care of the animals and helping others. This mirrors what it is like working with Ofc. Ryan in the facility. Ofc. Ryan is always willing to go above and beyond to help other Officers and help train in the new Officers in the facility.
Officer Ryan has in addition to her volunteer work at the equine facility rescued several small animals and rehabilitated them on her own and with her own financial contributions.
I truly believe that Officer Ryan deserves recognition for her volunteer work outside of the prison because her work not only impacts those that work in Corrections but it also impacts the community that she already serves as a Correctional Officer. Her role in the program is often easily overlooked as it is part of the background fundamental care needed in order for the horses to excel in what they do.
Thank you for your time and efforts Officer Ryan you are truly an asset inside and outside the fence!
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NAAWS Warden of the Year Nomination - Shannon Reimann
Warden Shannon Reimann's exceptional dedication and leadership within the Minnesota Department of Corrections has earned her a well-deserved nomination for the prestigious NAAWS Warden of the Year Award. Commissioner Schnell, recognizing her outstanding qualities as a leader, submitted a compelling nomination, highlighting Warden Reimann's remarkable 29+ year career in corrections.Commissioner Schnell commended Warden Reimann's exemplary leadership, emphasizing her role as a model for others. Warden Reimann's journey within the department began in 1994 as a correctional officer, and over the years, she ascended through various roles, including case manager, program director, executive officer of the Hearings and release Unit, Associate Warden, and ultimately Warden for the past six years.
A significant aspect of Warden Reimann's leadership revolves around her genuine commitment to employee wellness. Recognizing the importance of personal well-being in managing others, she actively supports the physical, spiritual, and mental health of her staff. Commissioner Schnell praised Warden Reimann for her personal engagement in promoting a culture of wellness, making her a unique and commendable leader within the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Despite not securing the NAAWS Warden of the Year Award, Warden Reimann is celebrated as Minnesota's Warden of the Year. Commissioner Schnell extended further appreciation for Warden Reimann's contributions to the agency and her active involvement in community organizations.
Congratulations, Warden Reimann, on this well-deserved recognition!!
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EBP Trainer Appreciation Event: You Matter
By Rachel L. Miller
On November 17th we hosted an EBP Trainer Appreciation Event where we focused on “You Matter" as our theme. Our EBP Trainers across all delivery systems have done and continue to do so much to support new and seasoned staff in their work. Trainers were greeted at the door with a small photo reminding them that, “You Matter" to hang in their offices as a reminder.
After a heartwarming welcome and words of appreciation from Statewide EBP Coordinator, Rachel L. Miller, there was an amazing presentation from Jason Anderson, previously the director at Itasca County Probation. He made the group laugh and smile and “aww" and it was fabulous.
The trainers also had the pleasure of getting supportive and humorous messages from several colleagues who chimed in to say why EBP trainers matter. Thanks to all who contributed! EBP Trainer Appreciation Video Thanks to much to Victor Archibong at DOC for putting this together with us.
Thanks to Debra Schmitt, Mary Evers, Nicole Knutson and Joe Betley for planning a stellar event with Rachel. Thank you to MACCAC and MACPO for donating giveaway items. Thanks to MACCAC for the support with managing the registration system. Thanks to MACPO for purchasing the plaques for awards. Thanks to DOC for funding the event!
And finally, a huge “Congratulations" to our award winners. You each deserve this and so much more.
Creatovator of the Year: Danelle Gorra, DOC
We Couldn't Do This Without You: Willie Swanson, DOC
Newbie of the Year: Paige Mallam, Anoka County
I'm Not Old, I'm Just Seasoned: Joe Arvidson, Ramsey County
Rachel L. Miller was also recognized for two DOC awards: 2nd Place Employee Recognition for FY 2023 for Creativity & Innovation as well as the Transforming Lives Award for the month of June.
Next time you come across an EBP Trainer, remind them how much they matter!
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Kristie Sperl Employee Recognition Award Presentation
By Latoya Shelby
Kristie was selected for 1st Place in the Employee Recognition Award Program for FY2023 in the category of Outstanding Individual Performance. Kristie was unable to attend the Annual Presentation Ceremony so this award was presented to Kristie on 10/31 at 8 a.m.
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Charity Haugen Receives Employee Recognition Nomination
By Sierra Jungers
Charity Haugen was nominated in the category of Outstanding Individual Performance.
The following narrative was submitted:
“Charity is an OUD release planner for the DOC. She works with several facilities providing planning for medication assisted therapy for individuals releasing from facilities. Charity is thorough and individualizes each plan for those incarcerated. She works with several departments in each facility to curate the best release plan. She is also helpful and a wealth of knowledge to her co-workers and always willing to answer a question. Charity is a hard worker as well as a great example to her fellow co-workers."
Congratulations, Charity!
(L-R) Charity Haugen and MCF-SCL Warden Jesse Pugh -
Field Services Staff Recognized by Local Media
By Brian Rubenstein
The following article appeared in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
The local Minnesota Department of Corrections (MN DOC) office located in Fergus is part of the district that was awarded first place for the Employee Recognition Award: Project Recognition by the MN DOC Commissioner recently.
This year’s award was presented to the districts of Detroit Lakes which include Otter Tail, Becker and Mahnomen Counties and St Cloud (Wright and Benton Counties).
District supervisor, Brian Rubenstein, explained the award and its significance.
“The small WAI-SR (Working Alliance Inventory - Short Revised) pilot and the small DRI (Dual Relationship Inventory) pilot tested two client facing surveys to see how clients view our working relationship with them during their period on community supervision (Probation and/or supervised release). Each agent in the Detroit Lakes and St. Cloud district offices sent out three separate surveys to their clients. After review and lessons learned to improve the process, it was decided to proceed with the 14 question WAI-SR in a large pilot, expanding beyond just the district office to the entire district and to all clients on community supervision,” stated Rubenstein.
Rubenstein and his colleagues Jennifer Johnson (MN DOC research analyst) and Deb Anderson (St Cloud district supervisor) shared the survey results with their local corrections agents which, in turn, encouraged agents to continue to hand out and follow up on surveys both electronically and/or via paper.
Rubenstein said the result was spectacular. 585 clients returned their surveys, with 246 for the Detroit Lakes district and 339 for the St. Cloud district.
Rubenstein also mentioned while everyone did amazing work on the project, there were a few standouts including Tony Bergen, a Fergus Falls corrections agent, for receiving 91 surveys from her clients.
“Not only were the surveys returned from each client and for each agent, but we also saw the results we were hopeful to see. Our corrections agents work tirelessly to connect with clients and help them on their life changes which betters their chance of success while on supervision but most importantly, when they are finished with supervision,” said Rubenstein.
Rubenstein shared a few examples of some of the actual client comments that were included in the survey results:
“She really went above and beyond what any other probation officer has ever done to help me succeed. I intend to go to law school in this next phase of my life. Thank you – you are a hero!”
“My agent made me feel like I had a chance to be different and just made my supervision comfortable by being consistent and guided me throughout this process of rehabilitation into the community and gave me respect and trust, only to do the same in return.”
“At first, I didn’t have any goals and he’d ask what my plans were. Not knowing it was pushing me to work towards success. Today I’m employed, certified in peer support, in a (new to me) vehicle and from unfavorable to good credit. A lot of the thanks goes to (my agent).”
“This supervision has actually given me a real kick in the butt to want to work for myself with my past issues.”
“Best probation officer I’ve ever worked with. He does a great job and I am honored to be one of his clients.”
Rubenstein said the data itself is unprecedented information about how the MN DOC Field Services Unit can continue to support clients, as well as find many areas of opportunity for growth.
“We cannot thank this team of corrections agents for their vision and work on this project."
Hearing and seeing these results, which were submitted completely anonymously by individual clients, is a true testament to the great work our corrections agents do each and every day within the communities they serve,” said Rubenstein.
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Victim Services Coordinator Receives Journey of Hope Award
By Elizabeth Richards
DOC's Victim Services Coordinator Brittany Anderson received the Journey of Hope award from Standpoint in recognition of her work and dedication to provide advocacy and justice for domestic and sexual violence victim/survivors. Celebrating this honor with Brittany were Victim Services & Restorative Justice staff Liz Richards, Tito Campbell, Drea Stephani, Samantha Lueck, Heather Kolling, and Camille Buckley and Mark Blevin with RACN.
