By The Combined Charities Team

The DOC Combined Charities team would like to thank all the DOC staff who came together to create this year's fun promotional music video. We had too many stars to name individually at all the facilities, central office and the Center City field services office.

An extra big thanks to the wardens, supervisors, and executive team members who participated in the video, or made filming possible in their locations.

Thanks so much for the support and enthusiasm from the Communications office—specifically director, producer and narrator Victor Archibong for his vision and execution.

Also thank you to those who weren't able to participate in the video but endured a lot of scheduling (and re-rescheduling) emails and meeting invites. Your patience is much appreciated!

By Officer Teresa Newton

I would like to sincerely thank the Delegates and Alternates for their countless hours, dedication, and transparency in negotiating a significant pay raise for the officers at MCF-Rush City. Thank you to the following officers: President Amanda Biggins, Vice-President Sgt. Adam Booth, Sgt. Branden Tatum, Sgt. Nick Kaminski, Ofc. Robert Van Dusen, and Ofc. Matt Johnson.

By Sherlinda Wheeler

Please welcome Academy #183!

(L-R) Officer Michael Koepke, Registered Nurse Amy Kummer and Officer Alexzandra Peterson

By Lt. Jessica Fergen

Congratulations to Officer Francis McGraw on his promotion to Sergeant in Complex2/Canteen on 3rd Watch!

Officer McGraw began his career with the DOC in 2017 here at OPH. He is currently a WOOC Sergeant in Complex 3 on 3rd Watch. During his time at OPH he has become an FTO, K-9 Decoy, and a member of the SORT Team.

Officer McGraw holds a BA in Criminal Justice and has a background working with at risk youth.

By Travis Schlangen

Officer Christopher Heaton referred members of a community based AA group to the facility. The members have since agreed to facilitate AA meetings within the RESHAPE treatment program on a weekly basis.

Without Officer Heaton's referral, the volunteers would not have been identified. Thank you Chris!

By Becca Clemens Wells

This staff Shout Out goes to CSTS Web Power User Janice Kampfe! Recently during a CSTS Web release training for all of DOC Field Services staff Janice helped her fellow peers and the presenters by navigating chat and offering feedback to help everyone be successful given this new release.

Thank you Janice Kampfe for your support and help going above and beyond for your co-workers!

By Amy Pederson

I would like to thank the team of weapons instructors at MCF-St. Cloud for their work this summer and fall, recertifying staff in Lethal/Less Lethal Weapons. Scheduled training lock up days occurred every other Wednesday starting mid-August.

They were well-prepared each day, gathering equipment prior to the start of class so things could get underway at the start of the shift, making the most use of their class time. Documentation was submitted every day, in a timely fashion, in order to be able to report the accurate number of students in attendance.

Their dedication to this discipline is appreciated. I would also like to thank the Watch Commanders and Detail Lieutenant for maximizing attendance in order to complete this with the least amount of lock up days necessary AND before hunting season got underway.

St. Cloud instructors include: Lt. C Fadling, Officer J Hedlund, Officer M Hovey, Sgt. J Koshiol, Sgt. M Krengel, Lt. K Krippner, Sgt. M Larson, Sgt. J Rajkowski, Officer M Sturm and Sgt. J Tummel.

By Rachel Melvin

Caseworker Paul Klemme is a professional, hardworking individual in Monahan that constantly goes above and beyond. He is an optimistic person that comes in everyday with a kind greeting and asks how you are doing. He genuinely cares about everyone in the facility.

CSM Klemme always has a positive attitude and is willing to help with many different tasks. He looks out for the officers in Monahan when things get overwhelming. CSM Klemme is always checking to see if we need help, and he takes charge of affairs that arise. He volunteers for extra shifts to help, even overnights on 1st Watch. CSM Paul Klemme is a mentor and role model, and I am proud to have him working with us in Monahan.

By Jay S. Olson

Eleven (11) Corrections Officers graduated from the Chemical Irritant Instructor - Basic Course on October 20th. The course was held at Central Office and MCF-Lino Lakes.

The 16-hour course curriculum included, policy & procedure, program review, coaching/instructional techniques, understanding the capabilities and limitations of chemical irritants, history, terms, operational capabilities, functionality, and deployment methods.

Students were required to satisfy skills demonstrations, a written examination, and submit to both In-Direct and Direct exposures to chemical irritant.

MCF-LL Associate Warden Mary McComb and Captain Chad Oye attended the graduation ceremony and thanked the students for their hard work and commitment to DOC training.

By Melissa Schwartz

Thank you ALL for participating in the Combined Charities Chili Cook-Off. It was a success!

I would also like to thank Maintenance staff, Safety Director Teng Vang and Sherry Bohn for their help in setting up. Also, thanks to Becki Erickson and Sherlinda Wheeler for their help in dishing up chili. And finally, a special Thank You to the contestants for making us some awesome chili!