The membership of the New Jersey Policeman’s Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 105 recognized National Correctional Officers Week – May 4-10 – with a luncheon in honor of the New Jersey Department of Corrections’ 2008 Officers of the Year.

The gathering was held May 9 at Angeloni’s Cedar Gardens in Hamilton.

The following individuals were named Officer of the Year: Senior Correction Officer Michael Burkhart (Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center), SCO Gregory Wilson (Albert C. Wagner Youth Correctional Facility), SCO Raymond Michaels (Bayside State Prison), SCO Eric Nale (Central Reception and Assignment Facility), SCO Anthony Romano (Central Transportation/Central Medical), SCO Nanette Buchanan (Correctional Staff Training Academy), SCO Jeffrey Dupree (East Jersey State Prison), SCO Irvin Gray (Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women) and SCO Luis Torres-Burgos (Garden State Youth Correctional Facility). Also, SCO John Cotton (Mid-State Correctional Facility), SCO Donald Freeman (Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility), SCO Zakiyyah Salaam (New Jersey State Prison), SCO Ben Gamble (Northern State Prison), SCO Warren White (Recruitment Unit), SCO Michael Sanders (Riverfront State Prison), SCO Larry Fawcett (South Woods State Prison), SCO Emmet C. Atkins (Southern State Correctional Facility) and SCO Joseph Renzetti (Special Operations Group).

“There can be no greater honor in the law enforcement family than to be recognized by one’s peers,” Said NJDOC Commissioner George Hayman. “This is an opportunity to say, ‘Well done,’ to colleagues who have exhibited such qualities as bravery and resourcefulness, both on and off the job.

“Congratulations to all of the honorees and their families, and on behalf of Governor Corzine and the citizens of the Garden State, many thanks for the fine job you do each and every day.”

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