MCOReport
Spring/Summer 2017
After years of planning, Fallen Officers Memorial becomes a reality
Inside this issue
How corrections officers are changing the narrative
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2017-2018 new initiatives to engage MCO members 6
RUO update
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Behind the scenes at MRF 10 Officers of the Year recognized at banquet
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From the archives: 1982 Huron Valley riot
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As bagpipes played “Amazing Grace,” MCO members lifted the veil off the Fallen Officers Memorial, giving corrections staff, other law enforcement, legislators, and union supporters their first glimpse of the monument. “It’s very moving,” said Sally Budd, sister of fallen corrections officer Jack Budd. “It’s beautiful because it’s so simple. It’s also a stark reminder of the danger of the job… “The big thing is that people remember. It’s still fresh to (the family). This (monument) will forever be there and what Jack sacrificed will hopefully never happen again.” More than 300 people attended the Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication and Open House May 7 at Michigan Corrections Organization’s (MCO) headquarters in Lansing. “We had an excellent turnout,” MCO President Tom Tylutki said. “Corrections officers have dangerous jobs where anything could happen at any moment. I appreciate everyone who came out today to join us in acknowledging those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those currently working behind the walls to keep Michigan communities safe.” The memorial honors the four corrections officers who have lost their lives in service to the people of Michigan. They are George Haight (date of death March 27, 1893); Earl DeMarse (Sept. 25, 1973); Josephine McCallum See Memorial on pg. 2 A
Memorial continued A (March 24, 1987); and Jack Budd (Dec. 27, 1987). “This memorial is our way of ensuring the sacrifice of these officers is never forgotten,” said Jeremy Tripp, MCO Director of Governmental and Political Affairs. “Through this memorial, we are sending a powerful message to the fallen officers’ families and to all officers: your union understands and appreciates the dangerous nature of your job. We won’t forget about you and we won’t stop fighting for you.” SEIU President Mary Kay Henry spoke at the ceremony of MCO’s One Voice national campaign, which seeks to elevate the voices of Corrections Officers and provide them a voice as corrections reform is debated around the nation. “We need to make sure the public and policy makers understand the challenges that you face,” Henry said. “The goal of One Voice is to make sure corrections officers have a seat at the table as changes are discussed. We want to work shoulder to shoulder with MCO. We should all strive for a just society where all work is respected and treated with dignity.” Corrections Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they face a lot of danger, aggression, and insults, MCO Vice President/Chief of Staff Andy Potter said. “As corrections reform moves forward, our hope is that the voices of these fallen officers and the voices of corrections and forensic officers who are still working do not go unheard inside these changes.” MCO leaders and staff have been taking advantage of opportunities to do big things. That’s why the MCO Executive Board jumped at the idea of creating a monument for fallen corrections officers when, in a grassroots effort, a 2 MCO Report Spring/Summer 2017
group of officers and retirees, led by Pamela Drew and Rod Denley, pitched a design for a monument two years ago. “I first felt the need for a memorial after visiting Josephine McCallum’s grave in Lansing,” said Pamela Drew, a retired member from Carson City Correctional Facility. “I walked up to a gravesite that was nothing more than a marker on the ground. It was covered in tree debris and weeds. It devastated me. It certainly didn’t match the sacrifice McCallum made for the people of Michigan.” It wasn’t the first time union leaders and members had contemplated a memorial for fallen officers. A memorial had been discussed and researched over the years but never came to fruition. The timing wasn’t right until now. The Board appointed a committee of members and retirees to look at the initial memorial design and consider alternatives. Committee members included Chair Bill Henderson (MCO Treasurer and SRF chapter president); Brent Kowitz (MCO Recording Secretary and SMT chapter president); Pamela Drew (DRF retired); Jerry Pope (MBP retired); and Michael Wallace (SMT retired). MCO staff and leaders thank them for their service. They studied possible locations for the monument, as well as specific criteria for determining which staff members would be added to the memorial. The monument design went through many drafts over the months before the finished product was finally revealed and dedicated May 7. MCO staff spent countless hours finalizing the hundreds of details that went into planning the memorial and dedication ceremony. Everything from fundraising to media promotion was carefully thought out, planned, and completed to create a professional and memorable event to lift up cor-
Memorial in the News Corrections Officers Honored with New Memorial WILX (Lansing) 124 years, 4 deaths: Memorial Honors Corrections Officers - Lansing State Journal MCO Reveals and Dedicates Fallen Officers Memorial TV6 Upper Michigan’s Source Michigan unveils memorial for corrections officers killed - Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun Michigan memorial to slain corrections officers unveiled US News and World Report rections officers and their sacrifices. The Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication and Open House wasn’t only about remembering those we’ve lost – it was also about celebrating and honoring MCO members, who work dangerous and thankless jobs. After the Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication, MCO hosted an open house where members and guests learned more about the realities of corrections work and the union. Lonnie Pohl, IBC chapter vice president, explained the Emergency Response Team and their gear. Prison-made weapons and contraband were on display to remind guests of the dangers of the job. The many uniforms worn by MCO members were featured. Visitors also learned about the ways MCO members enrich their com-
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A group of recruits from the corrections academy attended the ceremony. Thanks for joining us! Guests at the Fallen Officers Memorial Dedication listen during the ceremony. MCO President Tom Tylutki speaks at the ceremony. MDOC Director Heidi Washington speaks at the ceremony. MCO Vice President/Chief of Staff Andy Potter delivers a speech. Guests at the ceremony.
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Almost 60 uniformed officers attended the Fallen Officers Memorial and Dedication. Many of them volunteered to make the event a success. Thank you, volunteers! 2. CO Lonnie Pohl, member of the Michigan Department of Corrections Emergency Response Team and IBC chapter vice president, explains ERT operations to SEIU President Mary Kay Henry. 3. Sally Budd, sister of fallen officer Jack Budd, sketches his inscription on the memorial.
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Want to see more memorial dedication photos? Visit us on Flickr or our members-only Facebook group. You can also watch a video of the ceremony on YouTube.
Mystery solved: CO Anderson, MBP, did not die in the line of duty MBP Officer Charles Anderson was stabbed by an inmate in 1921, and some websites report that he died from his injuries. Charles Anderson. The Winter MCO Photo credit: “One Report explored Hundred Years at Hard Labor: A His- these rumors and the tory of Marquette unanswered quesState Prison,” by tions about what hapIke Wood (KA-ED pened to Anderson Publishing Co., in that attack, which 1985.) took the lives of Warden T.B. Catlin and Deputy Warden Fred Menhennett . Researcher Beth Gruber at 4 MCO Report Spring/Summer 2017
the Marquette Regional History Center has found evidence that Anderson survived. Anderson apparently died on June 12, 1949, nearly 28 years after the stabbing. Gruber said she found Anderson in 1930 and 1940 U.S. Census reports. Gruber got involved after retiree Rod Denley contacted her. Denley, other retirees, MCO staff, and others searched for information on Anderson for months, but couldn’t confirm when or how he died. MCO thanks Gruber for investigating what happened to Anderson. Now corrections officers know his story.
Memorial continued A munities through service – including volunteer work with Special Olympics, food banks, and other worthy causes. We also highlighted all the great programs MCO has launched to engage members, like listening tours, PTSD research and advocacy, military members’ committee, One Voice national campaign, the Officer Dignity Initiative, and more. We call these initiatives Tomorrow’s Union Today. Lorraine Emery, IBC chapter president, shared information with guests about the programs. “Many of the MDOC leaders and COs who came by were impressed by how MCO has revolutionized its member programs to meet members’ needs in these times of change for corrections and unions,” said Lorraine Emery, IBC chapter president. “It’s a testament to what we’re able to accomplish when we work together.” At the end of the day, all guests received a commemorative coin specially designed for the memorial dedication ceremony. The coin has two sides -- one to remind us of staff who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and one to acknowledge those currently working behind the walls, putting their safety on the line in service to our communities and the state of Michigan. The coin also represents the loyalty, strength, and tireless dedication required of all corrections staff. Learn how you can get a coin. Above all, MCO leaders and staff believe the memorial and its dedication event sent a strong message: corrections officers have dangerous jobs, and they deserve the public’s appreciation and respect. The memorial is just one example of MCO’s renewed commitment to serving and lifting up members and preserving our union’s rich history. As always, the Executive Board and staff thank members for their support.
In Their Own Words: 10 members reflect on corrections, volunteer work, and communities Changing the narrative starts with us. We are our own best advocates. That’s why MCO is pleased to introduce a new publication, In Their Own Words. It tells the stories of 10 MCO members who are doing great things in their communities, such as serving on school or township boards, coaching kids’ sports, or fighting drugs in their communities. One member told his story of working as a translator for the U.S. Army in Iraq. Another helped found a charter school when her town’s public school closed. In Their Own Words was on display at the Fallen Officers Memorial Open House. Legislators, MDOC administrators, and other decision-makers picked up a copy. We hope to publish more editions of In Their Own Words in the future. Are you or one of your coworkers doing great work in your community? Let us know and we might interview you for the next edition. Email anita@mco-seiu.org. Below are excerpts from In Their Own Words: On the importance of volunteer work: Ritchie Gallatin, ARF: It lets people know that you are human and that you care. That you’re not just here in this community working, but you live in the community, and you care what’s happening in the community. You want to be an
integral part of it. On the importance of corrections officers seeking leadership roles in their communities: Steven Smith, MTF: (Leadership roles are) one of the best ways for us to be liaisons to the community so that (people) can see that what they see on TV and on the news does not define corrections officers as a whole. Some people don’t trust police officers, and they don’t trust corrections officers. They have a very negative opinion about both, but it’s individuals like myself and others that meet them, talk to them, and change their minds. They’re like ‘You’re not what I thought a corrections officer typically would be.’ That’s important because we have been stereotyped so many times, and this is the only way, by us being active and being seen in our communities, that we break those stereotypes. On what the public should know about corrections work: Caleb Follett, IBC: As leaders from every branch of government discuss criminal justice reform and lowering recidivism rates, I find it important to note that corrections officers care about these topics and also possess experiential knowledge that cannot be replaced by (but perhaps can work in tandem with) academic models. I believe that effective reform can only come when corrections officers, those on the ground, are given a voice in these matters and an equal voice in the formulation and implementation of laws and policy decisions that will have a direct impact on the safety, well-being, and success of our institutions.
Small steps you can take to start to change the narrative now Ponder this for a moment: the stories we tell about ourselves have a profound impact on ourselves and those around us. This is true in many facets of life and relationships. Each of us has more power than we know. Equally as powerful is the corrections culture that is deeply ingrained in most of us. While many aspects of our culture are positive – like our solidarity in the face of threats – some can be detrimental, like our reluctance to be visible and tell our stories about our lives and work. Have you considered the effects of the stories you tell about your work? When you talk to your families, neighbors, and friends, what do you say about corrections? How do you treat your coworkers – do you congratulate them on their accomplishments? Changing the narrative was discussed as part of a recent meeting at MCO. Below are a few ideas officers, union leaders, and communicators agreed that COs could start doing now to reshape public perception of corrections staff: • Be comfortable with giving and receiving praise. Don’t belittle or diminish the professional achievements of fellow officers or yourself. Lift up your coworkers’ good deeds and your own. • Be willing to talk about corrections with people we think are foes. Strive to find common ground, even if it’s narrow. • Be open to talking about your job publicly, with your neighbors, family, and friends. When we boldly show our faces and tell our stories, our genuineness can earn public trust and empathy. Spring/Summer 2017 MCO Report 5
2017-2018 MCO initiatives continue our work to engage members in new ways MCO leaders and staff have tours started this spring and will launched many new programs to continue through the summer. Like engage members and address offiwith the listening tours in 2015, cers’ needs, concerns, and interests. MCO staff and leaders will meet Many members have participated in with hundreds of members in small these new endeavors and said these settings to get valuable insight programs changed their perception about what matters most to you. of MCO and their understanding of Some questions will be similar, but what it means to be a union memmany new questions have been addber. ed to get feedback on MCO’s new To expand on that work, MCO initiatives and engagement work. is harnessing our momentum and Members provided MCO leaders and staff with invaluable insight resources to launch new engageduring the 2015 listening tours. ment initiatives for 2017-2018. We’d like to personally invite you to Coming out of those meetings, MCO went to work on a number of take part in these campaigns in the initiatives. coming months. We launched If you a corrections haven’t personally gotten PTSD reinvolved yet, search and our message awareness is simple: campaign; forget what started an you think you MCO Miliknow about tary MemMCO Treasurer Bill Henderson leads a listening session in bers CommitMCO or what your past per- 2015 at Macomb Correctional Facility. Additional listening tee; created sessions are being held this summer. ception may the Dignity have been. Take Initiative by the time to read our emails and pub- partnering with law enforcement lications so you know what’s new, groups to protect the dignity of offiand engage with us on the things cers; and more. that matter most to you. Come to Union staff and leaders are eaa listening tour or other meeting; ger to hear your thoughts and shape talk to your chapter leader about more programs to tackle the issues that matter most to our members. receiving union mentorship; visit the Fallen Officers Memorial. By doing these things, not only are you Next Gen Leadership Program MCO is committed to develinvesting in MCO and our collective strength; you are investing in oping the next generation of MCO yourself by reaching outside of your leaders through a new Mentorship comfort zone and doing something Program. This program will bring completely new. together seasoned MCO chapter leaders and young, promising union Listening Tours activists. Those selected for the This second round of listening program will receive cutting-edge leadership development training that will culminate in a two-day visit 6 MCO Report Spring/Summer 2017
to a U.S. War College. Many organizations practice some type of succession planning, and we should think about our future as well. We learned in the recent wave of retirements that MCO leaders should start mentoring potential leaders now, so they have the skills and confidence to serve when the time comes. Build Political Capacity MCO’s Department of Government Affairs has helped change the narrative when it comes to elevating and recognizing correctional officers and forensic security aides as an integral part of law enforcement. The shift is not by mistake. MCO has a proven strategy to engage legislators, push MCO issues, and find common ground. As a result, legislative victories that benefit members are becoming more and more frequent. In 2015, MCO was successful in helping pass HB 4159 and SB 516, which allow current and retired corrections officers, who are weapons trained by the MDOC, to carry concealed weapons in no-carry zones. In 2016, corrections officers were included in SB 218, a law that extends health benefits to the spouses and children of corrections officers and other law enforcement killed in the line of duty. In addition, MCO has a rigorous political endorsement process that includes a member-driven screening process. Members ask questions about policies that have a direct impact on them. This is a strategic approach that brings members into the process. Read more about the endorsement process in the Fall 2016 MCO Report. Continues
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FUEL (Future Union Engaged Leaders) Millennial Program As many longtime MCO members retire, the next generations of officers are beginning their careers. More than 1,800 new COs joined the MDOC in the last two years. They are entering a very different workforce (and Department) than the officers who are now retiring en
masse. MCO leaders and staff will engage with our millennial members and continue our legacy of solid union membership and leadership. We won’t be able to transform MCO overnight. But with persistence, we can improve our union and touch all members’ lives. MCO leadership is taking concrete steps
to understand our members’ needs in these changing times and how the union can better serve everyone we represent. If you’d like to get involved in any of these initiatives, or you have questions about this work, please contact us. Email mail@ mco-seiu.org or call the MCO central office at (517)485-3310.
RUO/CMUO arguments heard by Michigan’s second-highest court Three judges on the Michigan Court of Appeals heard arguments in the RUO/CMUO lawsuit June 13. Only one judge asked questions during arguments. Unlike in the circuit court hearing last year, the appellate court didn’t give clear indications on how they might rule. The hearing lasted about 30 minutes. The 2,472 former RUO/CMUO jobs “didn’t change one bit” after the abolishment, said Mary Ellen Gurewitz, MCO’s outside legal counsel. There was never any evidence RUOs weren’t fulfilling their job duties. “These jobs ... are so important and simply devalued by the department,” Gurewitz said. Assistant Attorney General Christopher Braverman argued for the state and said the abolishment was above board. The intended duties of these jobs, including a role in treatment, were never realized, he claimed. The appeals court has no deadline in making a ruling. MCO will share any developments with members. MCO has been fighting the RUO/ CMUO abolishment since 2012, first through the Civil Service Commission, and now through the courts. See a timeline of our past actions on our website. Thanks, members, for your support throughout this long process.
Above: Mary Ellen Gurewitz, MCO’s outside legal counsel, argues MCO’s case before the Court of Appeals. MCO made a short video after the hearing June 13. Watch it on YouTube now. Above Left: The Executive Board listens during the hearing. Left: The Court of Appeals in Lansing.
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SEIU president shares vision with MCO Central Committee SEIU President Mary Kay Henry delivered a moving speech to the MCO Central Committee May 10. It was the first time an SEIU President had addressed the Central Committee in many years. “Brothers and sisters, I see our challenge today as similar to what the autoworkers, mineworkers, and steelworkers faced in the last century,” Henry said. “The new movement we have to build must have room for everyone, in order for us to win good paying jobs, and make low-wage private-sector jobs have a standard of living where people can work one job for 40 hours a week and actually support their family. We want a full voice in our economy and we want everyone to be able to participate in our democracy once and for all.” Unions are about more than representing members; they’re about raising wages and reestablishing the middle class. To build unions up and eliminate poverty-wage work, we must elect legislators who are open to partnering with, not attacking, unions. To win for workers and families, unions need 21st century strategies, like the MCO One Voice campaign, Henry said. One Voice is a national campaign to unite corrections officers with criminal justice activists, leaders, and organizations to advance a unified approach to our nation’s criminal justice reform efforts. These reforms will take place with or without COs’ input, so we’re banding together with COs around the nation to determine how we can play a role in these changes. We’re also exploring areas where
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Top: SEIU President Mary Kay Henry addresses the MCO Central Committee. Middle left: MCO President Tom Tylutki at the Central meeting. Middle right: MCO Vice President/Chief of Staff Andy Potter at Central. Bottom: The MCO Executive Board at the Central meeting. They are (from left): Byron Osborn, URF; Ed Clements, AMF; Treasurer Bill Henderson, SRF; Recording Secretary Brent Kowitz, SMT; VP Andy Potter; Scott Waggoner, ARF; Cary Johnson, JCF; Ray Sholtz, SLF.
Continued A we can find common ground with reform advocates, like staffing levels. More on MCO’s One Voice national campaign will be in the next MCO Report. Henry praised MCO for having the highest percentage of membership than any other local union in SEIU. “MCO is at the top of the line, so we have a lot to learn from you about how to connect members to each other, because it’s going to take us sticking with our union to create this turnaround,” Henry said. Corrections officers have traditionally been seen as opponents of reform, so their opinions are written
off before they’re ever heard, MCO Vice President/Chief of Staff Andy Potter said. COs around the country need a new approach. “We can’t take the same old arguments to the same old people,” Potter said. “But if you’re going to pay that much attention to how inmates walk out of the institutions, you should pay just as much attention to those officers who walk in every day,” Potter said. Corrections officers unions from Alaska to New Jersey have shown interest, he said. Legal Director Jeff Foldie told the Central committee that over the last year, the MCO Legal Department has successfully arbitrated six cas-
es, and five of them were frivolous discharges. Foldie and Legal Associate Shawn Davis also tried an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) at Central Michigan. MCO argued management took a member off an assignment in retaliation for filing a grievance, which is a protected activity under Civil Service rules and federal law. But MCO did not prevail. The arbitrator ruled management has full rights when it comes to assignment, and there wasn’t sufficient proof of retaliation. The Legal Department has also assisted three ARU investigators who have been involved in shootings over the last year. Their use of force was found to be justified in every case.
E-Council hears about new initiatives
The MCO Executive Council met in Lansing May 9 and heard an update on the MDOC proposed budget and several new initiatives MCO is launching to engage members and build leaders. We’re embarking on many new programs, including FUEL (Future Union Engaged Leaders), listening tours, a coaching program, and NextGen, an intense leadership development boot camp. MCO Vice President Andy Potter encouraged Council members to nominate an up-and-coming leader for consideration in the NextGen program. Only 15 member leaders will be chosen to participate. (See page 6 for a full breakdown of our new programs.) Many people take for granted all the details that go into planning this work. MCO Vice President/Chief of Staff Andy Potter showed the Council one of two huge binders full of the plans for the memorial event. “This is why the MCO staff deserve your thanks, and why we need your help as we move forward,” Potter said. The MDOC budget process seemed to be going smoothly until the Senate, led by John Proos (R-St. Joseph), called for a massive cut of $41.6 million, MCO President Tom Tylutki said. MDOC Director Heidi Washington came out strong against these cuts, saying they would lead to layoffs, less-safe prisons, and reduced programming for inmates. The House and Senate agreed to $10 million in cuts (A budget story is on page 14, or go to our website for the latest.) Tylutki also told the Council that a few vacancies at the Oaks, the only other facility in the bump region when Pugsley closed, will be filled by seniority order on the recall list. Four COs have been recalled back to the Oaks, and MCO leaders are advocating for more to be called soon. Each chapter’s president sits on the MCO Executive Council. More on the Council can be found in Article 11 of the MCO Constitution and Bylaws.
MCO President Tom Tylutki (top) and MCO Vice President/Chief of Staff Andy Potter address the Executive Council.
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A day in the life: behind the scenes at Macomb Correctional Facility April 20 At MCO, we’re working hard to change the narrative on corrections officers and engage with more members face-to-face. We’re thinking outside the box about ways we can do even more to advocate for corrections officers and show your dedication and professionalism. To that end, MCO has started to feature members at work in our publications. We’re proud of the hard work you do, and we’d like to lift up members and their workplace experiences. You may recall seeing photos from Bellamy Creek and Egeler in the Winter 2017 MCO Report. These photos were taken at Macomb April 20. Check them out to get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at MRF. Of course, MCO will not take photos of members who don’t want to be photographed, and we won’t publish sensitive photos that could affect safety and security. Thank you, MDOC administration, facility administration, and members, for allowing MCO to take photos in the prisons. 10 MCO Report Spring/Summer 2017
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1. CO Grygorcewicz writes in the log book in building 300, also known as the activities building. The 23-year officer had this advice for new recruits: “Do what you’re told, and you’ve got to be on the bright side of things. Don’t be negative all the time. And read the contract.” 2. CO Youngblood works in the gym while inmates in the Leader Dogs for the Blind program train their pups. “(Corrections Officers) have good camaraderie,” the 3-year CO said. 3. Officer C. Johnson works the gates. 4. Grievance Coordinator E. Taylor, a 24-year employee, hard at work. “My time goes fast because I’m always busy,” she said. “Never a dull moment for me.” 5. Officers Noble, Wysong, and Carpenay. 6. Officer D. Brown works in the control center or the electronic monitoring room every day. “It’s very busy,” she said. “You get an overall, birds-eye view of the whole facility. It’s the hub of a prison. That’s what I like about it.” 7. MRF Chief Steward Johnny Hill
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with MCO President Tom Tylutki. CO Vij (left) and CO Robinson in the lobby at MRF. CO Robison in Unit 3, a Level II. Robison said she enjoys working in the unit with the Leader Dogs for the Blind. “Every day is different, so you just have to be careful,”she said. Officers wait at the gates at shift change. MDOC Director Heidi Washington with MRF Warden Randall Haas and Officer J. Anderson in Unit 1, a Level II. Macomb offers unique programing, like Inside Out, college classes, and Leader Dogs for the Blind, Anderson said. Being familiar with a wide range of programs makes MRF officers “an asset to the MDOC,” she said. Anderson also said Director Washington was “very positive in saying we’re doing good things.”
Hammond recognized by law enforcement MCO President Tom Tylutki presented Macomb Correctional Facility with a Flag for the Fallen April 20 in honor of Clarence Hammond, an MCO member who was murdered in 2012. MDOC Director Heidi Washington and Macomb Warden Randall Haas received the flag. Tylutki gave them the flag on behalf of the Michigan Association of Police Organizations and the National Association of Police Organizations. The Flag for the Fallen shows respect and appreciation for the sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have passed away. Hammond, who worked at MRF, was shot and killed outside his apartment one night in January 2012 when he returned home from work. He was still in uniform. His murder remains unsolved. Through Crime Stoppers of Michigan, MCO has pledged a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest in Hammond’s death. This brings Crime Stoppers total award for info to $7,500. Anyone with information about
From left: MCO President Tom Tylutki presents the Flag for the Fallen to MDOC Director Heidi Washington and MRF Warden Randall Haas.
Hammond’s death should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or 1-800-773-2587. MCO members are confident that his murder will be solved. Spring/Summer 2017 MCO Report 11
2017 Officer of the Year Cary Johnson speaks out about corrections PTSD Corrections Officer of the Year and MCO Executive Board Member Cary Johnson used her chance to speak at the Employee Awards Banquet May 9 to ask the administration to recognize PTSD in whatever shape it takes. “It’s not a secret that corrections officers have a higher rate of suicide, problems with drugs and alcohol, and divorce,” Johnson said. “This job completely changes you. There are men and women who had a hard time coming here tonight because of the size of the room and the amount of people here. “So I’m asking you, the people in the room at the highest level in the MDOC possible … if the subject of correctional fatigue and PTSD come across your desk in the form of a proposal, a committee, or discipline, I’m hoping you consider the troops, those of us who are working daily in the belly of the beast. Please consider us. Please consider (officers’) wives and their children. (Officers) are the toughest men and women that I know, and they are suffering. We need to take better care of each other.” Johnson, the first Executive Board member to be named CO of the Year, has helped in MCO’s efforts to research and raise awareness of PTSD. She has also been vocal about the impact her career has had on her as a woman and a mom. She thanked many officers and staff at Cotton for guiding her throughout her 22 years of service and MCO leaders for their support.
“The MCO State Executive Board has opened my eyes to expand my knowledge about correctional officers, outside of myself, beyond my own facility, and even beyond the state of Michigan, nationally. Many of the things that are written about me and what has been said about me are only because MCO, the leaders, have allowed me to be there and trusted me to be at those committees, and I appreciate that.” Lt. Gov. Brian Calley spoke to kick off the banquet, calling some of the MDOC’s changes to reduce recidivism, like the Vocational Village, “revolutionary.” Calley said he was grateful for the innovation and determination of MDOC staff. “You are literally the best at what you do…” he said. “The professionalism of corrections officers in Michigan is at a whole different level than you’ll find anywhere else, and that it a testament to your dedication and training and the system that we have.” Parole/Probation Agent of the Year Candice Dunn also spoke at the event, just hours before she was killed in a tragic car crash on the way home. “There is an epidemic facing our community,” Dunn said. “It is our goal that offenders gain control of their lives to stop the cycle of recidivism, caused by the darkness of their addiction.” Please pray for peace for Dunn’s family and friends. Congratulations again to CO Johnson, the finalists, and all 2017 facility officers of the year.
Far left: Officer of the Year and MCO Executive Board Member Cary Johnson gives a speech at the Employee Awards Banquet. Left: Tables at the Employee Awards Banquet. Above: CO Chad Poynter, LCF, accepts his award.
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Congratulations to Officer of the Year Johnson, finalists, and all facility COs of the year!
Cary Johnson Corrections Officer of the Year Cotton Correctional Facility
John Klapish Finalist for Officer of the Year Saginaw Correctional Facility
Karolyn Holden Finalist for Officer of the Year Oaks Correctional Facility
Sherlyn Wilson Finalist for Officer of the Year Thumb Correctional Facility
Phil Allen Finalist for Officer of the Year Woodland Center Correctional Facility
Facility officers of the year Jerald Beard, WHV Mark Dudek, MCF Jose Enriquez, JCS Brandon Ford, ARF Deborah Gallagher, URF Terry Grant, RMI Mark Gregory, ICF Jeffrey Grembowski, ARU Joseph Hammer, IBC Siri Heard, SAI-W Ronald Hendricks, Transportation
Joshua Hermann, LRF Thomas Hertzfeld, RGC John Hill, MBP Valerie Hull, STF Ryan Jasper, SAI Kenneth Jewell, NCF Henry Jones, DRC Michael King, DRF Jeffery Lombard, SLF Nick Moran, KCF Gabriel Noble, MRF
Larry Orr, LMF Chad Poynter, LCF Justin Prichard, SMT Shaundrica Roberts, MTF Dwayne Smith, AMF Eric Stanislawski, OCF Frances Stittes-Bennett, DDC Joseph Voorheis, FOA Scott Wymer, MTU Spring/Summer 2017 MCO Report 13
2017-2018 corrections budget reduced by $10 million; only WHV spared from cuts After weeks of debate and hundreds of calls by our members, MCO got its first look at the revised Department of Corrections budget at the joint House and Senate conference committee June 7. In total, the committee opted not to adopt the Senate’s $41 million in cuts but did agree to $17.5 million less than what Gov. Rick Snyder had requested for the corrections department. Next, the full Senate and House must approve the budget proposal. If they approve, it will go to Gov. Rick Snyder. To achieve these reductions, each of the state’s facilities, with the exception of Huron Valley Women’s, will get a 1 percent cut for a combined $10 million in savings. One bright spot in the budget is that MCO was successful in swaying public and legislative opinion on the need to restore $4.4 million in funding to train an additional 177 new corrections officers in FY ’2018.
Moving forward, MCO will continue to make our members’ voices heard and lead on best practices in the industry and innovation to make corrections a safe and effective environment for everyone. Read the full conference report here. Below are MCO’s statements throughout the budget process: • In-Depth: Important 2017-2018 Corrections Budget Update • Michigan Corrections Organization Statement on Corrections Budget Conference Report • Call now and say no to Senate budget cuts • Press Release: Senator Proos’ Corrections Budget Puts Officers, Prisoners, and Community at Risk • Michigan Senate Budget Recommendation Will Hurt Corrections Staff and Inmates
From the archives: Riot breaks out at Huron Valley 35 years ago this spring
This photo, dated April 30, 1982, shows staff at the Huron Valley Men’s during a riot. Photo credit: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University. Used with permission.
14 MCO Report Spring/Summer 2017
Since the Kinross riot in September 2016, members and leaders have been thinking about the string of riots that jarred the facilities in the early 1980s. One of them at the Huron Valley Men’s (closed in 2009) is pictured at left. MCO leaders and staff took great care that our response to KCF wouldn’t set off more riots at other facilities, like what occurred in the 80s. Member safety was always our top priority. MCO hasn’t stopped raising awareness of the KCF riot. We spoke with MIRS news for their May 10 story written after the MDOC finally released a 262-page report that indicates the incident was indeed a riot. Sixteen officers were left inside the facility for far too long while the riot started to unfold, we told MIRS. Again, we thank all members who worked throughout the riot.
Amount
Revenues
Amount
Membership Dues
$855,778
Membership Dues
$996,596
Non-Member Fees
$6,677
Non-Member Fees
$7,121
Interest
$2,217
Interest
$20,758
Miscellaneous
$2,349
From Affiliates
$2,880
Total Revenues
$1,029,704
Expenses
Amount
Arbitration
$7,677
Books, dues and subscriptions
$6,587
Collective Bargaining
$34
Computer
$6,570
Continuing Education
$4,349
Contributions
$7,050
Depreciation
$18,079
Insurance
$44,128
Leased Equipment
$4,715
Legal and Accounting
$23,639
Media use
$4,897
Meetings and Conferences
$41,405
Office and Administrative
$10,744
Organizational Unity materials
$7,028
Organizing
$5,005
Pension Contribution
$58,621
Political Activities
$98
Postage
$1,978
Repairs and Maintenance
$13,309
Salaries
$218,885
Social Activities
$28,558
Taxes - Payroll
$23,348
Social Activities
$8,861
Taxes - Per Capita
$250,279
Taxes - Payroll
$15,958
Telephone
$7,533
Taxes - Per Capita
$341,459
Utilities
$10,629
Taxes- General
$4,710
Total Expenses
$805,145
Telephone
$8,153
Change in Unrestricted Net Assets
$224,559
Utilities
$16,171
Total Expenses
$1,245,274
Change in Unrestricted Net Assets
—$384,195
Loss on disposition of fixed assets
Statement of Activities 4th Quarter 2016
Again this year, the MCO Report took home several top awards from the Michigan Labor Press. The MCO Report won: • First Place: Feature Article (“MCO rolls out intense training on arbitrations and grievances, the first of several education programs,” Summer 2016) • First Place: News Article (“‘Scariest day of my life:’ MCO tells the stories of members who experienced the pandemonium of the Sept. 10. Kinross riot,” Fall 2016) • Second Place: General Excellence (Summer and Fall 2016 editions) • Second Place: Editorial (“MCO’s decisive legislative strategy leads to big wins for members,” Fall 2016) • Third Place: Website (mcoseiu.org) • Third Place: Photographic Excellence (Photo of 2016 Officer of the Year Craig Altoft, Fall 2016) • Third Place: Photographic Collage (“Ionia Rotary honors corrections officers, donates to the Crisis Fund,” Fall 2016). Thanks for reading, members!
Statement of Activities 1st Quarter 2017
Michigan Labor Press awards MCO Report
Revenues
-$6,473
From affiliates
$2,880
Total Revenues
$861,079
Expenses
Amount
Arbitration
$6,624
Books, dues and subscriptions
$10,189
Collective Bargaining
$17,314
Computer
$6,601
Consulting
$20,665
Continuing Education
$1,379
Contributions
$3,977
Depreciation
$17,497
Insurance
$52,280
Leased Equipment
$4,272
Legal and Accounting
$41,924
Media use
$24,004
Meetings and Conferences
$78,517
Office and Administrative
$31,012
Organizational Unity materials
$59,808
Organizing
$3,538
Pension Contribution
$67,430
Postage
$10,357
Repairs and Maintenance
$22,508
Salaries
$312,677
SEIU Political Education Action Account
$57,389
Spring/Summer 2017 MCO Report 15
Dana Ackerman Stephen Aho Timothy Anderson David Angel Raymond Ball Thomas Ballor Raymond Barber Scott Beamish John Blumhardt Gary Bonenfant Katrina Borthwell John Bradford Joseph Bryzelak Randy Burrow Steven Carstensen Lane Carter Gregory Chapin Kelvin Chisolm Kingsley Church Larry Clemons Dale Cryderman Timothy Crysler Alice Daniels Marvin Daniels Ronald Daniels Keith Davern Russell Densmore Michael Deshambo Jack Dyer Phillip Earley John Ehl Chip Fockler Kelly Freese Andrew French Thomas Fuller
Ruben Gauna David Gauze John Goetz Joseph Goetz Matthew Goodno Jack Goudzward Keith Gransden Robbie Greeley Cindy Green Charles Grinnell Troy Guile Ronald Hagle Carol Hale Daniel Heilman Douglas Hengesbach Warrick Henry Darwin Hill Cecil Holbrook Deborah Jimerson Henry Troy Jones Larry Katzur Craig Kemp Kenneth Kemp David Kerr Anthony Killingbeck Richard Kolb Vicki Korn Kimberly Kovera Mark Kowalski Joseph Kremski Richard Lacrosse Steven Laiho Jeffrey Lewis Tommy Lickman
Michigan Corrections Organization (Members Only)
@mcoreports
:8 mco-seiu.org
16 MCO Report Spring/Summer 2017
Larry Lindy Kirk Ludman Randy Macdowell Gregory Mackenzie William Maki Kenneth Mcginn Jeanette Mckinley Albert Meatte Beverly Morse Gerald Mylchreest Donna Nicewander Richard O’Connell Shaun O’Grady David Olsick Stephen Onwenu Larry Osterhout Richard Paul Raymond Pavka Jack Payment Steven Payment David Peterson Ronald Pettit Robert Pierce Sean Porter Danny Powers Jeffrey Pretzer Wayne Purtell Prakash Rathod Kenneth Ricer Mark Richard Andrew Richards Glenn Richards Jill Richards Edward Rodda Todd Rombyer
Mark Rozine Sammie Ryans Arturo Saldana Craig Schafer Daniel Schneider Kenneth Shattuck Louis Shaw J Short Annette Singleton Ronald Smart Cynthia Smith Glenn Smith Benita Smith-Ralph Steven Sontag Ronald Spangler Tammy Spangler Curtis Spaulding Ronald Stafford Michael Stephens Thomas Sweet Bruce Switzer Latrenia Tiggs-Thomas Samuel Valdez John Vandyke Elizabeth Vansickle James Vansumeren Jamie Waldron Gary Walp Kevin Wethy Bruce Wilson Darren Woods Shelly Worley
MichiganCorrections
MCO
MCO is a labor union representing more than 6,000 Corrections Officers and Forensic Security Aides who work for the state of Michigan. MCO is dedicated to serving those who have Michigan’s toughest jobs.
Tom Tylutki, President Andy Potter, Vice President Bill Henderson,Treasurer Brent Kowitz, Recording Secretary Byron Osborn, Trustee
Cary Johnson, Trustee Ed Clements, Trustee Ray Sholtz, Trustee Scott Waggoner, Trustee
Larry Henley, Alger Ed Clements, Baraga Lorraine Emery, Bellamy Creek James Wexstaff, Brooks Eric Stott, Carson City Byron Osborn, Chippewa Marcus Collins, Detroit Detention Gary Smith, Detroit Reentry Rene Patino, Cotton Paul Jones, Egeler Mack Walker, Forensic Center Scott Waggoner, Gus Harrison
Dave Pasche, Michigan Training Unit Latese Walls, Huron Valley Womens Paul Jensen, Ionia Ricky Ries, Jackson Cooper Street Carlos Molina, Kinross Jonathan Hoath, Lakeland Ponda Esu, Macomb Edward Snively, Marquette John Bott, Central Michigan Branden TerHaar, Muskegon Teresa Nolan, Newberry Mark Dunn, Oaks
Gabe Justinak, Ojibway Brent Kowitz, Parnall Gerald Garver, Pugsley Adam Earley, Michigan Reformatory Bill Henderson, Saginaw Monoletoe McDonald, SAI Program Robert Fisher, St. Louis Patrick McGough, Thumb Angela King, West Shoreline John Hassen, Woodland
Andy Potter, Chief of Staff Tangee Laza, Member Engagement Director Karen Mazzolini, Member Engagement Director Cherelyn Dunlap, Member Benefits Director Jeff Foldie, Legal Director Shawn Davis, Legal Associate Anita Lloyd, Communications Director Tara Nichol, Member Benefits Associate Cindy Kogut, Finance and Human Resource Coordinator The MCO Report is an award-winning quarterly publication of the Michigan Corrections Organization, Service Employees International Union Local 526M. The editor reserves the right to refuse any incoming articles that are detrimental to MCO, SEIU Local 526M and its policies and the policies of the SEIU. Letters to the editor, story ideas, corrections requests, or other feedback may
Lori Iding, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff Stephanie Short, Grievance Coordinator Jeremy Tripp, Director of Governmental & Political Affairs Olivia Toretta, Member Engagement Associate Jim McHenry, Member Engagement Associate Valarie Mosley, Receptionist
be emailed to MCO Report Editor Anita Lloyd, anita@mco-seiu.org. All stories and photos are by the editor unless otherwise noted. MCO does not accept paid advertising in the MCO Report. No one is authorized to solicit advertising for the MCO Report in the name of MCO or SEIU Local 526M. If you have changed your email
“Were it not for the labor press, the labor movement would not be what it is today, and any man who tries to injure a labor paper is a traitor to the cause.” – Samuel Gompers
address, phone number, or address please inform MCO immediately at 1-800-4514878 (phone), 1-800-327-5266 (fax), or complete the online form on our web site, mco-seiu.org. View staff contact information at mcoseiu.org or email mail@mco-seiu.org.
When a critical incident occurs at your facility, contact MCO’s 24-Hour Answering Service by dialing 1-800-451-4878 and pressing 2.
MCO 421W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48933
Website: mco-seiu.org Email: mail@mco-seiu.org Phone: (800)451-4878 Fax: (517)485-3319 Spring/Summer 2017 MCO Report 17