By Marisa Williams

A sincere thank you SHOUT OUT to all who responded to the September 3, 2023, incident at MCF-Stillwater.

Your response and support mean more than you will ever know. I am forever grateful to be a part of the DOC Family. Please continue to take care of yourself and each other.

To all of you working in Facilities, always keep your head on the swivel because you never know. We were blessed with the outcome we had this time, and I am thankful.

To the Emergency Response Teams…. all I can say is “ONE TEAM ONE FIGHT!" You all are amazing and great at what you do!

Forget me not, Marisa Williams

By Mfon Archibong

The instructors at Ruch City are nothing short of exceptional. Their ability to turn a lack of skills into an opportunity for growth and development is truly inspiring. They remind us that mastery is an endless journey, and we can always strive to be further along that path. Every instructor invests themselves in training the best Academy Trainees and officers with dedication and commitment to excellence.

Recently, I had the pleasure of observing Sgt. Tatum and Ofc. Juhl during the Control Tactics training, and their analytical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities were truly remarkable. They handled a realistic correctional facility scenario with professionalism and expertise, setting an example for the new Academy Trainees and officers to follow in our collective safety strategy.

By Laurel Skoglund

Many of the Employee Development team attended a training/meeting day at MCF-Togo. It was a good day to go to Northern Minnesota as the weather was beautiful with the fall colors are starting to change.

Employee Development staff Amanda Freese did a presentation about the CIP program, and we met with Captain RJ Kruse and Warden Gino Anselmo. We also toured the facility and the beautiful grounds of Togo. Sgt. Stone did a wonderful job answering our many questions about the program which we appreciated so much!

As a team, we also participated in a Team Building exercise facilitated by Recreation Therapist David Kurth. He explained how he works with CIP individuals and their groups to encourage and build trust. Then, he led our team to the “Low Ropes" course. What fun we had in learning about giving and taking and assisting one another.

Thank you to all the Togo staff for such a good visit!

By Becca Clemens Wells

This shout out goes to Tabitha Schacht of Field Services in the Grand Rapids District. Tabitha is a member of the CSTS Web Power Users, where she goes above and beyond to submit helpful feedback pertaining to CSTS Web. In addition, she is a fierce advocate for testing the environment and helping her co-workers be successful in the new environment.

Thank you Tabitha for being a Power User – we appreciate you!

By Nicole Vee

A huge shout out to the CO's in CX1, Yard, and Squad for acknowledging a "shift" in IP behavior (9/15). Your training and professionalism shone through and does not go unnoticed. Thank you for keeping us safe!

By Matt Watrin

The Emergency Response Team's annual Camp Ripley training was conducted the week of August 21.

On Wednesday evening, Sgt. Jeff Blaschko and Sgt. Mark Komro of Shakopee were presented with plaques in recognition of their commitment to the ERT team. During the past 18 years, both Sgt. Blaschko and Sgt. Komro have spent nine years on the Special Operations Team (SOG) and nine years on the Marksman Observer Team (MO). Both Sgt. Blaschko and Sgt. Komro are known for their integrity, humility, leadership, personality, and their willingness to teach and instruct. Thank you to both Sgt. Blaschko and Sgt. Komro for their commitment to protect all their brothers and sisters in the DOC. One Team! One Fight!

(L-R) - Sgt. Mark Komro, Sgt. Jeff Blashko

By Latoya Shelby

Please Welcome MCF-LL newest academy that Graduated on September 12, 2023.

(L to R) - AWO Mary McComb, Captain Chad Oye, EMT Kimberly Kron, COI Emilio Marazzo, LPN Stephanie Cartharn, COI Jackie Brown, COI Katia Halverson, COI Adam Oldfeather, AWA Vicki Janssen, Captain Eric Knies, Captain John Kelly & OSI Matt Swanson

By Latoya Shelby

Effective September 13, 2023, CO2 William Zierman accepted a promotion to 3rd Watch Triad Sergeant at MCF-Lino Lakes.

Sgt. Zierman is an Army veteran with a degree in criminal justice. He spent the majority of his time with the DOC on 3rd watch. He's worked living units and A-Team, a member of SORT, and serves as a baton instructor.

Congratulations!

(L-R) Lt. Graham Besonen, Sgt. William Zierman & Lt. Michael McMahon

By Anonymous

I would like to give a shoutout to all MCF-Stillwater staff, with everything they continue to deal with. Been almost 2 weeks since the major incident and still having to navigate media, protesters, upset family, etc. all while still reporting to work and doing their jobs. You are rockstars and keep being awesome!

By Jay S. Olson

Officer Russell Johannsen (MCF-STW) was recently appointed as Master Instructor - Weapons. In this capacity, he will help oversee a specialized area of training to include standardization of curriculum, qualifications, certifications, and measurement of training.

Johannsen has been with the DOC for 15 years, and has served as a weapons instructor for the past six years. In 2021, he was part of the large group of Subject Matter Experts that helped reformat our Use of Force programs into Response to Resistance programs.

He was selected in a competitive application process which included both an oral interview and a skills & aptitude assessment.

Officer Russell Johannsen