Category Retirement Show all
-
Nanette Larson Retiring
By Jolene Rebertus and Kristine Flores
After 25 years with the Department of Corrections and 33 years of state service, Nanette Larson has decided to retire.
Throughout her tenure, she has been responsible for the care and well-being of nearly 8,000 incarcerated men, women and juveniles. Many of us know her well, and know firsthand how incredible Nan is not only in all her significant work accomplishments, but how she makes people feel in the workplace. She inspires many to do exceptional work, and provides encouragement to others every day.
While the loss will no doubt be felt by all, we couldn't be more proud to celebrate this day. Congratulations, Nan, on your incredible achievements and well deserved retirement. You will be missed!
Her last day with MN DOC will be April 5th.
Please join us in celebrating at Central Office in the Pung Conference Rooms on April 2nd 1-3pm.
-
Communication Director Skoogman Accepts New Chief of Staff Role with Minneapolis PD
DOC Communication Director Andy Skoogman has accepted a new position as Chief of Staff for the Minneapolis Police Department. In that role, Andy will help lead the implementation of the department’s strategic initiatives and reform measures as defined by both the Police Chief and the Department of Justice. The position presents a tremendous opportunity to help shape the future of the largest municipal police department in the state.
Andy’s last official day with the Department of Corrections is Friday, December 22nd.
The commissioner is actively working to identify and appoint a new communications director to replace Andy. In the interim, Sarah Fitzgerald and Aaron Swanum will coordinate with the commissioner on any media inquiries.
-
Stillwater Sisters Held Warden’s Assistant Job for 46 Years
Sisters, from left, Penny Karasch, Sherry Bohn and Connie Davis laugh as they share stories of working at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. Bohn is the third of the three sisters who have served as assistants to the warden at Oak Park Heights and the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater. Bohn will retire on Jan. 2, 2024. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
The full article from the Pioneer Press can be read here: Stillwater sisters held warden’s assistant job for 46 years. Now their time is up. – Twin Cities.
-
Congrats to Rush City's Doug Greene on His Retirement
By Stephanie Huppert
Congratulations to Physical Plant Director Doug Green on his retirement after 42 years of state service. He wil certainly be missed, best wishes on a well-deserved retirement.
-
Field Services Roman George Retires
By Jake McLellan
After nearly 38 years in corrections, Roman George is retiring. Roman started his career in DOC as a Corrections officer in 1986 and promoted throught he ranks as a CO1, 2 and eventually jumping into field services in 1990. Roman was one of the original ISR and CIP agents when both were developed in the early 90's. Roman was promoted to District Supervisor for Litchfield in 2008 and transitioned back to ISR as the supervisor in 2011. All good things must come to an end through, so is true for the marvelous and memorable contributions he has made to DOC. We wish you well Roman on your new life ahead!
-
Officer Steven Meyers Retires from Moose Lake
By Ian Heaslip
Ofc. Steven Meyers recently retired from MCF- Moose Lake. Congratulations on over 19 years of faithful state service!
L to R - Warden Brian Collins, Ofc. Steven Meyers -
Sergeant Marc Magnuson Retires from Moose Lake
By Ian Heaslip
Sergeant Marc Magnuson recently retired from MCF- Moose Lake after more than 29 years of state service!
Sgt. Magnuson began his career in 1994 at MCF- Stillwater and spent several years there before transferring to MCF- Moose Lake and completing his career there. Marc was a leader at the facility and around the department, most notably in the area of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). He led over twelve CISM sessions in the last year alone!
Thank you for your dedication and work ethic, Sgt. Magnuson!
L to R - Sgt. Marc Magnuson, Warden Brian Collins
-
Moose Lake's Lieutenant Frank Misiak Retires
By Ian Heaslip
Congratulations to Lieutenant Frank Misiak as he retires from MCF- Moose Lake after 28 years of state service! Lt. Misiak was integral in the department's Crisis Negotiation Team, Criticial Incident Stress Management Team, and a staple for 1st Watch at Moose Lake.
-
COII Lisa Jahn Retires from MCF-Shakopee
By Lisa Jahn
I have worked for the DOC Since March of 1996. I began my career at MCF-Redwing as a CO. My time at Red Wing was short, about 9 months before transferring to MCF-Shakopee where I remained. As I reflect on these years, I think about all the wonderful people I have met over these years. When I was at Red Wing I worked with juvenile offenders. That is when I looked at this job as an adventure. No day would ever be the same. Working with the juveniles was a great experience. I made many friends and found it hard to leave the great staff at Red Wing. I still laugh when I think about Stan Barber, Lloyd, and Morrie. These three took time to talk to me about the importance of my job and told me funny stories about all their years in corrections. I laughed every day I worked there.
December of 1996, I transferred to Shakopee. Now I would be working with the women. At the academy, the instructors always said “this applies to the men's prisons. Shakopee and Red Wing are different." WOW were they right. There were many rules and exceptions for the female population vs. the male population. I think back to offenders wearing their own clothing, buying lots of Avon products, having courtyard blankets for them to sit on, taking offenders shopping at the local K Mart, taking offenders to off grounds jobs sites, we had offenders take furloughs which they would call in to tell me they were ok, and staff and offenders could go outside for a smoke. Well, many things have changed over the years. Eventually the female's prison would get more in line with the rules and policies of the male prisons. In 1996 there were about 125 offenders. As the years went by the population grew to over 600. We were overcrowded and had to house some of the population in County Jails and the federal prison in Waseca. When COVID hit that cleared our population down to around 400.
Over the years in Shakopee, I have worked a variety of positions. I began on a relief pool. We filled in the vacation slots. Working relief meant you worked any day and any shift. We knew our schedule about a month in advance no set days off. I did this for four and a half years. I then worked 2nd watch Monahan – the treatment unit. I was on squad for about six years. What a great group of people to work with. Then I moved to transportation in 2011 where I'm still at. I must say this has been the best position I have worked. A career highlight was working with central transport to pick up violators in other states. The best part of working in transportation has been Sgt. Yackly and my partners. I have so much respect for all of them. They are professional, hardworking, and great people. I know every day I have laughed while at work. One of the most important things in Corrections is to surround yourself with good people and laugh every day. This is a crazy job, people in the real world can't understand the things we deal with. You have to find a way to make sense of these unusual events you will encounter. I relied on great partners and laughter. Best wishes to all of you!
-
Lieutenant John Klar Retires From Moose Lake
By Ian Heaslip
Lieutenant John Klar recently retired from MCF-Moose Lake with over 30 years of service with the Department of Corrections. John began his career at Sauk Center working with juveniles prior to transferring to Moose Lake in 1997. He finished the remainder of his career up north, promoting to sergeant and eventually lieutenant in 2013.
John was a staple on SORT for over 17 years. John started the Honor Guard at Moose Lake and was instrumental in the team DOC-wide. He was the lead instructor for shotgun/less-lethal. One of the highlights of his career was his time on the Marksman Observer Team. His retirement gift from many in the facility and across the agency was a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun that was engraved with his years of service.
Lt. Klar reminds everyone to be there for your co-workers and watch out for each other. He also noted that it’s important to let the stupid stuff roll off your back daily. John, thank you for your many years of service!
Lt. Carl Bennett (Left) presenting Lt. John Klar (Right) with his retirement gift. 
Lt. John Klar proudly displaying his retirement gift.
