By Cassandra Warner

Sergeant Thielbar went above and beyond training the MCF-St. Cloud overnight nursing staff. He also made sure that they felt comfortable on the shift and showed them the 1st watch staff. He also took them on tours throughout the prison and was very approachable. The 1st watch staff was welcoming and appreciative of the new overnight nursing staff.

By Sherlinda Wheeler

MCF-SHK hosted several “badge ceremonies" over the past month. The reactions to receiving the badges has been very positive. The administration at MCF-SHK would like to share the following article from Officer Kimberly Spinner, one of the most positive people I have EVER met! Sherlinda Wheeler

“What the Department of Corrections Badge Ceremony meant to me"!

Upon arrival for the Badge Ceremony on January 25, 2024, I had zero expectations of what to expect other than receiving a Badge for my uniform. To my utter amazement what I witnessed was wonderful positivity, magnificent support, and love from the DOC.

This is not something you feel every day in a job like ours. I was humbled, honored and overwhelmed and found myself fighting back tears during the memorable ceremony.

Each day I come to work happy with a smile on my face, whatever happens during my shift, I deal with it, and move forward but always with a smile and a grateful heart. When my shift ends and it is time to go, I leave happy. I love my job, I love the people I work with, the Officers, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Warden, AWA's, Captains and ALL other employees at MCF-SHK, you really know how to make someone feel important and special! To receive this badge with my fellow Officers, was very uplifting and quite a gift to me. It made me feel a sense of pride in being a Corrections Officer.

Prior to the badge ceremony, I didn't have a favorite number, but since the ceremony happened on my birthday, 125 is now my favorite number. There are no truer words to describe the feeling I felt in receiving this act of legitimacy other than; PURPOSFUL, HUMBLED AND HONORED! Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve and be a humble, honored, and valued Corrections Officer.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

MCF-SHK Officer Kimberly Spinner

By Shahna Fredrick, AWA

Ms. Jerry has put in a phenomenal amount of work organizing events at MCF-Shakopee during Black History Month. From researching and organizing movies, documentaries, trivia, and speakers, Ms. Jerry made it important for people to understand why this month is celebrated and the impact that African-American people have had on this country and throughout the world.

By Marisol Ortega

Please join SCL staff in congratulating February graduating academy!

Left to Right: AWO S. Rykken, HRD J. Thelen, Capt. (soon AWA) D. Raden, CO E. Large, Capt. L. Korts, CO M. Overman, CO Gregor Sach

By Melissa Paquette

On October 12, 2023, an accident occurred at MCF-FRB during the 3rd/1st watch shift change. The weather was awful. It was raining, cold and the wind was blowing so hard it was coming down sideways. Those conditions, unfortunately, contributed to an accident on grounds in which one staff was struck by a vehicle.

Staff who were close immediately responded to the scene and provided assistance, including tending to each staff involved in the accident, directing traffic, contacting 911, etc. First Responders arrived on scene and the injured staff was transported to the hospital. Emergency contacts were attempted without luck.

Captain Dahlen stayed with the injured staff until they were discharged from the hospital and also assisted this staff in getting home. Both the injured staff as well as the driver were contacted over the next several days to let them know they were in the thoughts of all facility staff.

Thank you Sgt. Guhl, Sgt. Kline & Capt. Dahlen!

Capt. Chris Mitchell & Sgt. Scott Guhl Capt. Martin Dahlen & AWO Sue Hughes

Sgt. Jon Kline & Lt. Amy Mueller

By Melissa Paquette

On December 25, 2023, MCF-FRB experienced a concerning situation with the steam system in Industry. Troy was contacted by the Watch Commander to see if he'd be willing to come into the facility and deal with the problem.

Troy modified his plans on Christmas day, reported to the facility and shut the steam off which kept the moisture from building in an electrical room.

Thank you Troy for going "Above & Beyond the Call of Duty"!!

Left to Right: Troy Burgess & Supv. Scott Ewest

By Melissa Paquette

On December 13, 2023, CMS Steve Quimby was working OT when an IP was unable to speak and having difficulty breathing while in the dining hall. An ICS was activated for an IP choking. Steve responded immediately, administered the Heimlich Maneuver, the food became dislodged and the IP was able to breathe again. Steve's actions definitely saved the IP's life!

Thank you Steve!

Left to right: Steve Quimby & Supv. Ryan Hansen

By Latoya Shelby

The following narrative was submitted on behalf of Officer Rachel Ryan's award nomination.

Officer Ryan Volunteers at a local equestrian facility in Lino Lakes. Officer Ryan works first watch at the Lino Lakes Facility and when she gets off of work, she goes to the equine facility to help care for the horses. She spends hours a day several days a week feeding, exercising horses and cleaning up after the horses at the equine facility.

This facility houses several horses that are involved in a program that uses horses that need a job and helps them find a second purpose in life. These are horses that may not have ended up in good situations otherwise and may be considered for kill pen.

This facility provides an outlet for several Officers and their families throughout multiple Department of Corrections facilities as well as the local community. This program works with children and adults alike. This program thrives on helping people build confidence and independence through working with horses as well as destressing and connecting with their family members when doing group lessons. Several clients of this program not only come to the facility to learn how to ride, but to learn more about themselves and help heal some of the traumas that they have had to endure in life. Although this program is not a “Equine Therapy” program, therapy does occur between the clients and the horses. Some of the horses in the program come with their own scars and trauma, and through working with people and volunteers they have also begun their own healing process.

Without Volunteers like Ofc. Ryan this facility would not be able to keep their doors open and keep up on the quality of care that the horses need in order to provide the service to the community that they do. Officer Ryan makes sure that the horses not only receive their feed and supplements on a regular basis but that their stalls are immaculately cleaned. Ofc. Ryan helps make sure that the isles are clear and in great condition for students to have a safe area to groom and saddle horses. Ofc. Ryan in addition to helping this program has also volunteered her time to help other people who benefit our community care for their horses while they were enduring hardships in life and could not provide physical care to their animals. Ofc. Ryan shows exemplary team work as a volunteer and is always willing to go above and beyond when it comes to the care of the animals and helping others. This mirrors what it is like working with Ofc. Ryan in the facility. Ofc. Ryan is always willing to go above and beyond to help other Officers and help train in the new Officers in the facility.

Officer Ryan has in addition to her volunteer work at the equine facility rescued several small animals and rehabilitated them on her own and with her own financial contributions.

I truly believe that Officer Ryan deserves recognition for her volunteer work outside of the prison because her work not only impacts those that work in Corrections but it also impacts the community that she already serves as a Correctional Officer. Her role in the program is often easily overlooked as it is part of the background fundamental care needed in order for the horses to excel in what they do.

Thank you for your time and efforts Officer Ryan you are truly an asset inside and outside the fence!

By Jay Olson

More than 100 Emergency Management professionals from across the country advanced their leadership skills in emergency management in Duluth during the week of January 29th at the Section Chiefs Academy, which takes place every three years.

The offerings focus on the Incident Command System and the Incident Management Team's core command and general staff positions – incident commander, public information officer, liaison officer, safety officer, and the section chiefs who coordinate planning, operations, logistics, and finance. 120 students from Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada attended.

AWA Ian Heaslip (ML) and Safety Administrator Ben Drilling (SCL) represented the DOC Incident Management Team (IMT). The IMT is available to manage any type of incident that qualifies under the critical mission priorities: assist command, assume command, and/or pre-event planning. The IMT is also available to the State of Minnesota as needed. According to AWO Heaslip, “during this four-day training, the role and responsibilities for the Planning Section Chief were explained in detail, including hands-on exercises to practice using the myriad of forms necessary to make the ICS process work well in a Type 1, 2, or 3 activation."

DOC Emergency Manager Amy Chamberlain stated that “this level of training ensures that the IMT maintains a high-level of readiness and preparedness for all hazards incident response consistent with FEMA and HSEM requirements."

Warden Shannon Reimann's exceptional dedication and leadership within the Minnesota Department of Corrections has earned her a well-deserved nomination for the prestigious NAAWS Warden of the Year Award. Commissioner Schnell, recognizing her outstanding qualities as a leader, submitted a compelling nomination, highlighting Warden Reimann's remarkable 29+ year career in corrections.

Commissioner Schnell commended Warden Reimann's exemplary leadership, emphasizing her role as a model for others. Warden Reimann's journey within the department began in 1994 as a correctional officer, and over the years, she ascended through various roles, including case manager, program director, executive officer of the Hearings and release Unit, Associate Warden, and ultimately Warden for the past six years.

A significant aspect of Warden Reimann's leadership revolves around her genuine commitment to employee wellness. Recognizing the importance of personal well-being in managing others, she actively supports the physical, spiritual, and mental health of her staff. Commissioner Schnell praised Warden Reimann for her personal engagement in promoting a culture of wellness, making her a unique and commendable leader within the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Despite not securing the NAAWS Warden of the Year Award, Warden Reimann is celebrated as Minnesota's Warden of the Year. Commissioner Schnell extended further appreciation for Warden Reimann's contributions to the agency and her active involvement in community organizations.

Congratulations, Warden Reimann, on this well-deserved recognition!!