By Jay Olson

Eighteen (18) Tactical Medics graduated from the 40-hour Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course that was conducted at Central Office from January 22 to 26.

EMS Instructors from the Hennepin County Medical Center – EMS Education / TEMPO Program conducted the training, which included instruction in Airway Management, Behavioral Emergencies, Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR, Medical Emergencies, Wound Care Management, Trauma, and Toxicology. The training is consistent and compliant with requirements of the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Response Board. HCMC Lead Instructor Mark Cusick stated that the “DOC Medics had the highest overall point score of any class that has completed this program."

SORT Academy Coordinator Lt. Karl Krippner and OSI Director John Melvin were on hand during the graduation ceremony to provide congratulatory remarks. OSI Director Melvin stated that “this training ensures that all DOC Medics are uniformly trained, using national standard tactics and techniques."

Graduates included, Connor Borash (SCL), Mike Brown (STW), Mike Goodhart (LL), Chris Gullickson (LL), Timothy Hansen (RC), Eric Haskamp (SHK), Jay Kopel (SCL), Jason Koshiol (SCL), Brandon Leatherberry (ML), Austin Lipphardt (RW), Frank McGraw (OPH), Samuel Moore (STW), Timothy Pirila (ML), Nicole Riemenschneider (STW), William Schmidt (SHK), Zina Siruk (OPH), Shanon Stitt (SHK), and Justin Watrin (RC).

By Kristin Lueken

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Kristin (Kris) Rish, who has accepted the Warden position at Moose Lake.

Kris came to the department after graduating from UMD with bachelor's degrees in both criminology and Sociology. She was first hired at MCF-Lino Lakes as a corrections officer in 1994 and transferred to Moose Lake in 1995. She has also held positions as a case manager, CPD, OSI (specializing in death investigations), AWA, and most recently as AWO since 2017.

Kris has been involved in numerous committees and initiatives in her 30-year career and is a firm believer in the philosophy of servant leadership; she plans to implement the practice wherever possible and practical at Moose Lake.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and staying active. She is looking forward to serving MCF-Moose Lake as Warden and continuing the strong legacy it has in maintaining staff safety and transforming lives.

Congratulations Warden Rish!

By CPD Alisha Lacina

SHOUT OUT to MCF-Stillwater's Case Manager, Eric Hestness, for stepping up and taking on extra work during our staffing shortfall in Transitions! His initiative, problem-solving skills, and adaptability has allowed Reentry programming to continue with minimal disruption.

Thank you for your exceptional work ethic and willingness to put in the extra effort.

By Becca Clemens Wells

MN DOC Field Services OAS Seniors throughout the state were instrumental in the most recent release of CSTS Web, and they have done a remarkable job at helping train and troubleshoot issues for staff.

This release wouldn't have gone as smoothly if it wasn't for each of you. Thank you for the important work you do for the Stat of Minnesota.

On behalf of FS-Admin we want to give praise to:

Keri Yerhart, Albert Lea

Cheri Pula, Bemidji

Anne Brew, Bemidji2

Joy Fusco, Center City

Linda Baker, Chaska

Stephanie Lyman, Detroit Lakes

Bernadette Gardner, Grand Rapids

Carol Nelson, Litchfield

Kim Jelen, Marshall

Kris Grommesh, Moorhead

Kim Crowley, New Ulm

Kassandra Rother, Red Wing

Kaitlin Leither, St. Cloud

Renee Rumpca, Winona

Robin Conlon-Dingmann, ISR-Central

Karen Fredrickson, ISR-North

Kerry McGuire, ISR-South

By District Supervisor Deb Anderson

This staff Shout Out goes to all the members if the St. Cloud District.

I am so grateful to have this team. This past year the team received the Transforming Lives award for May 2023 and ultimately the FY23 First Place Award in the category of Project Recognition for piloting the WAI-SR project.

This project was aimed at receiving client feedback regarding supervision and alignment with agents. In addition, the staff worked hard at getting the voters' rights letters out to all clients. In August they were tasked with making sure the statutory probation terms of their clients were adhered to. It was been a busy year for this group of people.

They have stepped in to help each other and the district during staffing shortages. They continue to take on new challenges!! An amazing group of people and I am grateful to work with all of them. THANK YOU!!

By Michael Crego

On January 18, 2024, Charlie 40 brought 200 pounds of donated food to the Community Action Partnership in Shakopee.

This donation was made possible through the efforts of Ali Beckman, Special Teacher, at MCF-Shakopee. Ali organized this month-long food drive for staff in remembrance of our co-worker Sgt. Kevin Foster.

After bringing the donation, Charlie 40 spent the remainder of the day volunteering in the warehouse.

By Marisol Ortega

Please join SCL executive staff in congratulating this month's graduating academy!

By Rachel L. Miller

On November 17^th 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: 2^nd 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!

By Jay Olson

On January 11^th, eight Special Operations Response Team members graduated from the 16-hour Baton Instructor - Basic Course that was conducted at MCF-Stillwater.

The 16-hour course curriculum included policy & procedure, program review, coaching/instructional techniques, and training ground management. In addition, the Office of Professional Accountability presented on the Use of Force investigate process.

Captains Lisa Connors (OPH), Mike Pavlich (STW), and Amanda Hofer (STW) were on hand to assist with the graduation ceremony and to provide congratulatory remarks. Captain Pavlich thanked the new instructors and stated that he is “always appreciative of the hard work and professionalism of DOC SORT."

New Instructors: William Blossom (ML), Casey Ciffra (FRB), Adam Figi (RW), Mike McCorkel (OPH), Scott Roemer (OPH), Cade Stang (SCL), Andrew Sunder (FRB) and Nathan Wegman (FRB).

Members of the Special Operations Group practiced de-escalation techniques and room clearing skills in the Simulator Training Lab during their monthly training on January 10^th.

According to Training Coordinator Jay S. Olson, “the use of reality-based training is an evidenced-based model which provides the student with a realistic learning environment of critical situations that are difficult to safely replicate in our traditional training."

OSI Director John Melvin commented that “the dedication of our ERT members is truly remarkable. Their commitment and professionalism are vital to the safety and security of all DOC facilities."