By Janelle Cheney:

Taylor Erickson began her journey as an Intern in the Moorhead District. She showed an enthusiastic and genuine interest in Field Services. She now has worked her way from Agent to Senior Agent. What stands out most about Agent Erickson is her empathy for others and compassion toward families.

Upon hire she inquired about being able to bring in items she would otherwise donate or hold a garage sale with. Items were gently used and many were toys. She indicated her one child at that time was blessed with many and would love to share, if possible. That has now evolved into having some people referencing our Training Room as the “Thrift Store," although everything is free to take. Many have had the opportunity to take what they need or provide to others in their family due to Agent Erickson's initial idea. Staff have brought in winter jackets, casual and work clothing, hats/mittens, toys, books, countertop kitchen appliances, (small) furniture, shoes, rollerblades and ice skates.

Another example of Agent Erickson's ability to think outside the box has been seen in our women's restroom. It reads, “Life is tough but so are you ~ If you find yourself in need please help yourself to one bag." The bag contains hygiene and toiletry items she has purchased on her own, for several years. Sometimes, we all need a reminder of our inner strength, and that someone cares.

Thank you to all the amazing staff in the Moorhead District, to include ISR, for contributing and enabling others with the ability to focus on life's other stressors while feeling supported by each of you and the “system" in general.

By Roman George and Janelle Cheney:

Field Services is often in the shadows while doing amazing work within the Community. On Giving Hearts Day, the Cass County Jail Chaplains had Justin Ball, along with the ISR Team and Probation Staff, on their radar. The MN DOC is thankful to staff who are out there connecting and collaborating with our many stakeholders and service providers!! The Moorhead District Office was pleasantly surprised and willingly accepted recognition (through a box of donuts 😊) on Giving Hearts Day by members of the Jail Chaplain programs as well as a client of Justin's, who is actively involved in such and doing well in the Community.

*Justin was not available for a picture as he was out doing Field Visits – but a donut was saved for him!

By Rebecca Clemens Wells:

I want to give a staff Shout Out to my co-worker, Genevieve Wilkens in Field Services. She goes above and beyond for each member of the Field Services family (a pretty big unit) and is a fierce advocate for the team. She is quick to identify potential issues and always a quick thinker at coming up with solutions. Genevieve also has a wealth of knowledge and is constantly working to learn more for the betterment of Field Services. I think I speak for anyone who has ever submitted a Field Services Business Issue Ticket - Genevieve gets things done fast!

By Jason Block:

I am pleased to be writing you on behalf of MCF-Shakopee's Diversity Committee's Polar Plunge team. The plunge took place on Saturday February 18, 2023 on Prior Lake. With members from different areas of the facility we were able to raise $2,298. The team consisted of the following staff members:

Sgt. Jason Block

Ofc. Jeremiah Pierson

CPT Sarah Tabone

Ofc. Paul Scofield

CCC Kyle Thompson

Ofc. Amanda Patterson

CPT Carly Bening

CPT Jamie Kritzeck

This team came together with high enthusiasm and willingness to take the plunge. Ofc. Patterson designed and printed the shirts we are wearing as a team.

By Bryan Roiger:

A Group of DOC staff from Field Services, Agents, Officers came together with McLeod County Jail staff and friends to support McLeod Alliance Strike out Domestic Violence. This is the 10th year that the DOC has partnered with McLeod County Jail to support such an amazing event. Together the team has raised close to $10,000 in that 10 years of partnership. With dancing, prizes, pizza, pop and much much more it's alway a good time.

Participants not named

By Latoya Shelby:

I'm nominating Lieutenants Jessica Johnson (pictured), Kipp Forschen, William (Bill) Capocasa, and Shannon Crittenden (not pictured) for always being the first individuals to volunteer their time for walk-in interviews. Even when they are in the middle of important and/or time-consuming tasks, I know that I will always receive an email or call from these individual to assist with the interview. I appreciate them for helping me with this process and would like to show them thanks.

Left to Right: OAS LaToya Shelby & Lt. Jessica Johnson

Left to Right: Captain Chad Oye, AWA Vicki Janssen, Warden Shannon Reimann, Lt. Jessica Johnson, AWO Mary McComb, Captain Eric Knies & Captain John Kelly

By Scott Roemer:

Sherry Bohn consistently commits her time to not only take care of her wide range of daily duties, which are taxing, but also commits her effort and emotion to recognize security staff's struggles and sacrifices. It is very appreciated.

By Latoya Shelby:

Congratulations to Officer Christopherson for being nominated for an Employee Recognition Award for Outstanding Individual Performance!

Officer Ken Christopherson was anonymously nominated for an Employee Recognition Award for Outstanding Individual Performance.

On August 18, 2022 while working at Lino Lakes, Officer Ken Christopherson was providing security coverage in the dining hall. As multiple IPs were in the hall eating their lunch meal, Christopherson noticed an Incarcerated Person who stood up with both his hands around his throat and begin to walk in his direction. Christopherson asked the IP if he was choking, to which the IP nodded his head yes. Without delay or hesitation, Christopherson began administering Heimlich thrusts to the IPs abdomen. It took several thrusts before the item became dislodged and the IP was able to breath again. Christopherson's actions were heroic and undoubtedly prevented serious injury to the incarcerated person. The department is fortunate to have such an exemplary example of professionalism and compassion not only to his coworkers, but the incarcerated population as well.

Left to Right: OSI Investigator Matt Swanson, Captain Eric Knies, AWA Vicki Janssen, Ofc. Ken Christopherson, Warden Reimann, Capt. Chad Oye & Capt. John Kelly

By Latoya Shelby:

Congratulations to the new academy that graduated on February 14, 2023. Welcome to the DOC family.

Left to Right: RN Caroline Jenson, COI Ryan Hopwood, COI Aaron M. Alt, COI Samuel Staats, COI Alexandra Appel, COI McKenna Gieske, COI Ivon Beckman, COI Aliakbar Mohammadyari, COI Tim Schleicher, COI Arthur Willie, COI Eric Yang & PFA Program Manager Rodney Else

By Collin Pearson:

MCF-Red Wing staff are super proud and amazed by the academy that graduated on 2/14/2023.

Officers Tom Beissel, Danielle Featherly, Richard King, Mitch Ramstad, Nick Reese, and Fabiola Silva de Melo along with General Repair Worker Aaron Tebay and ICWC crew leader Troy Haulbrick. This group rocked. They showed up early, stayed late, and put in the effort to become highly solid employees. Congratulations on graduating and welcome to the DOC family!