Category Retirement Show all
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Shakopee Staff Say Farewell to Sports Medicine Specialist Molly Monyok
By Colleen Holst
Molly began her DOC career on August 4, 2014 in the Sports Medicine Specialist (ATC-Athletic trainer) role at MCF-Shakopee. This was a new role at the SHK facility, as previously the CIP program was located at the MCF-Togo facility.
Molly jumped right in to learn the ATC role as it related to her specific responsibilities as well as learning the bigger role as a member of the CIP team. Molly's role was a very important one as she was responsible for assessing IP's to ensure they met the physical requirements for participation in phase one of the program. Molly had regular interaction with the entire Health Services team and CIP team. She quickly became a valuable resource for the nursing staff, medical providers, and CIP staff.
Molly's energy and willingness to pitch in and help out wherever she could was so appreciated by the entire Health services team and CIP Team. Molly was instrumental in guiding the nurses and medical providers through the new EHR (electronic health record) system; she grasped the new system very quickly and shared her knowledge with the entire team, we certainly wouldn't be where we are today with the EHR without her!
Molly was dedicated in her role as the athletic trainer in CIP. She invested her time in physical training, encouraging healthy eating along with teaching incarcerated individuals how to live a healthy lifestyle. She encouraged the CIP participants to never give up on themselves and to always strive for more. Her role as the athletic trainer is an integral part of the program. Molly was a huge asset to the CIP program and will be missed.
Words from Molly on her last working day:
Wow! I cannot believe this day has come! After working in the Challenge Incarceration Program for almost 9 years, the time has come for me to move on to another adventure. As a 3rd generation employee of the state, I was honored with the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge in such a unique setting. I have learned a lot from the staff here and will truly miss my coworkers in medical, in CIP, and across the DOC. Thank you all for the support and encouragement towards me on my new adventure.
L-R: Warden Guy Bosch, previous CIP CPD Kevin Fors, Sports Medicine Specialist/ATC Molly Monyok, Director of Clinical Operations Colleen Holst, CIP CPD Tabitha Jeffries -
Agent Rick Young Retires After 31 years
By Janelle Cheney
In the Field we often comment about how thick a client's file is... well, Agent Rick Young's was comparably large - with accolades!
Rick joined Field Services in 1992, reaching Career Agent status in 2001. He received three Achievement Awards between 1996 and 2001. Rick was known for is dedication to providing an Internship opportunity throughout his career and speaking at Criminal Justice Classes, Dare graduations and Elementary Career Days.
Comments found in his file consistently offered, "Flawless Case Audit" and "Best writing skills of anyone in the District!" He received many letters and notes from families and previous clients thanking him for his approach and for helping them through very difficult times. Rick cared about the communities he served, and about Minnesota.
Rick's absence will be felt by many across the State. He was highly efficient in keeping all of us "in the know" of where our clients were and what they were doing. Many L.E. agencies will sense his absence as well as he often connected the dots between Field Services and L.E. in respect to safety and accountability.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, CAREER AGENT, RICK YOUNG!
Career Agent Rick Young -
Officer Pete Gentry Retires from Moose Lake
By Ian Heaslip
Officer Pete Gentry recently retired from MCF-Moose Lake with over 23 years of service with the Department of Corrections. Pete spent his entire career at Moose Lake, serving on all three watches and in many posts--however, most of his time was on Squad as an A-Team Responder for 2nd Watch. His words of advice are to, "Listen to what everyone has to say, but at the same time, make your own decisions. When you make a decision, follow through with it timely, as people’s safety often times depend on it."
Thank you for your many years of service, Pete!
Pete Gentry -
Faribault's Sgt. Troy Hodgkins Retires
By Lt. Ryan Hanson
Sgt. Troy Hodgkins retired on Friday, March 10, 2023 after 23 years of state service at Faribault.
Prior to state service, Sgt. Hodgkins earned a 4-year physical education teaching degree and a 2 year law enforcement degree. He also served in the United States Air Force as a Tactical Aircraft MCF Pilot in an F-16. While at FRB, Sgt. Hodgkins worked a number of different posts primarily on 2nd and 3rd Watch.
Congratulations Sgt. Hodgkins, and enjoy your retirement!
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Oak Park Heights' Plumber Strusz Retires After 22 Years
By Sherlinda Wheeler
Mike Strusz, our Plumber at Oak Park Heights, retired on February 22, 2023.
Mike started his career at OPH on March 7, 2001. Mike has been the main plumber here for 22 years. Mike always had smile on his face and a joke to tell. There was never a dull moment with Mike around, he made it enjoyable to come to work.
Mike will be missed, and we wish Mike a long happy retirement!
L to R: Mike Strusz, Sherlinda Wheeler -
Shakopee's Lieutenant Vavra Retires
By Karley Jorgensen
Lt. Tom Vavra retired from MCF-Shakopee after 21 years of service with the DOC. Tom showed up to work everyday with a big smile on his face, a positive attitude, and a friendly greeting - all while whistling! He had a passion for his job and was truly dedicated to the staff and to the incarcerated individuals.
Lt. Tom Vavra -
Joyce Hibke Retires From Moose Lake
By Ian Heaslip
Joyce Hibke recently retired from MCF- Moose Lake with just under 20 years of state service.
She started her career on 1st Watch as an officer for several years prior to transferring into the maintenance department. Joyce is actively involved with the Moose Lake Fire Department. She made history by becoming the first female officer promoted to the Second Lieutenant position! Joyce’s can-do attitude and dedication was evident for all to see. An example of the initiative she took included putting on over 60 miles walking when COVID hit MCF- Moose Lake.
Joyce shared the following insight for staff, “When you start a job with the department, form your own opinions about the people and the job itself. Don’t fall into negativity.” Thank you for being such a positive person for so many years, Joyce! Enjoy retirement!
Left to Right: Kevin Huso - Building Maintenance Supervisor; Joyce Hibke - General Repair Worker; Ed Daoust - Physical Plant Director -
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
