Community Involvement John Gay and Sheryl Augstums, Central Arizona Correctional Facility

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entral Arizona Correctional Facility (CACF) was proud to participate in the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life on April 27, 2012, held at Coolidge High School. Several staff members took part in the relay including our very own cancer survivor Correctional Officer Graciela Nicoletti.Warden Massingill was on hand with his grilling expertise. Prior to the actual event, staff members Lt. Robert Santos & C/O Victor Cooper hosted a horseshoe tournament, Indian Taco sales, and organized the “Pie in the Face” event. C/O Monika Caissie & Sgt Susan Walker held baked goods and other sales in support of the RLF. In total, through the end of April 2012, CACF has raised in excess of $3,000 and will continue to pursue fundraising opportunities through the end of July. On March 2, Warden John Gay captivated 1st & 2nd graders at Florence K-8 with his interpretive reading of “There’s No Such Thing as Monsters” in observance of Read Across America. On May 8, 2012, Warden Gay presented (10) Florence High School students with $1,000 scholarships from the GEO Group, Inc. on behalf of the Central Arizona and Florence West facilities.

CACF was able to contribute nearly $1200 this quarter in inmate raised funds to The Florence Food Bank. This food bank supports several organizations in Pinal County, AZ, and is the first one to volunteer to help out when another community’s food bank closes. As a whole, Central Arizona Correctional Facility has donated a total of over $20,000 through Community Betterment Restorative Justice inmate fundraisers over the past 12 months.

The following organizations have also received these donations: Florence Unified School District, Against Abuse Shelter, Copper Basin YMCA and Special Olympics. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187 designating the first full week of May as “National Correctional Officers Week”. CACF annually recognizes our entire correctional staff with a week long celebration.

Clockwise: CACF is so proud of our team! (American Cancer Society Relay for Life),Warden John Gay playing in the horseshoe tournament, Warden John Gay visiting Florence K-8 ,GEO, Inc. Scholarship awards to Florence High School seniors, Billy Massingill introducing the newest member of Team GEO/CACF.

Special Olympics Fire Engine Pull Brigett Bowers, Rio Grande Detention Center

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he Rio Grande Detention Center participated in the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Fire Engine Pull for Special Olympics. The annual fire engine pull is held in conjunction with National Police week. At the event, law enforcement agencies displayed various law enforcement tools such as helicopters, horses, canines, airboats, ATV’s and Non Intrusive Imaging System. Local school children were on hand to get a first look at the equipment and support the pulling teams. The children were excited to see the teams pull the engine and cheered them on from the sidelines. The pulling teams consisted of ten members with at least one female. The RGDC team was led by Major Robert Garza and included Sgt. Gabriel Gomez, Ivonne Rios, Gerardo Manzo, Raul Castillo, Jesus Deleon, Neftali Ortiz, Lt. Elihu Harper, Lt. Manual Ramos, and Sgt. Alfonso Sanchez. Each team pulled the engine the required distance twice, and was judged on their best time.

The RGDC team pulled the engine in 17 seconds winning 2nd place. A local Special Olympian awarded each team their trophy. This is the second year RGDC has participated in the event, and we look forward to hopefully bringing home another trophy next year.

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