Commissioner Devon Brown

In the mind of a child, the word "hero" has a certain outsized definition. Heroes wear brightly colored outfits adorned with matching helmets or capes. They fly invisible planes, run faster than the speed of sound, leap tall buildings and shoot bolts of energy from their eyes. They can walk through walls, hurl tanks through the air and withstand nuclear blasts without getting a hair out of place. But with mature perception comes a more grounded definition of the word. Our heroes need not adorn themselves with flashy ensembles. To my knowledge, no member of the New Jersey Department of Corrections staff has exhibited superhuman strength or mutant powers. Our heroes are instead of the human variety. They exhibit extraordinary compassion and inspirational dedication to excellence. And they share a common will to serve the citizens of the Garden State well beyond the call of duty. On May 9, we announced the results of the 2003 Employee Recognition Awards Program. I am pleased to see that so many members of our staff received the recognition they so richly deserved for their enduring commitment to the corrections profession. Unfortunately, the space allotted here does not allow me to recognize every

Staff members were formally recognized in areas of teamwork, community service, longevity, customer service, exceptional service and heroism. The stories behind these awards are awe inspiring, ranging from staff responding to crises and, in so doing, saving lives, to bringing joy to handicapped children during the holiday season. Perhaps among the most striking achievements, however, are those that would go unseen if not for the appreciation of fellow employees. An award for heroism is no more valid than the recognition one receives for longevity or teamwork. I salute those individuals who by simply exhibiting a higher standard of professionalism elevated the statewide profile of corrections. In essence, what we are seeing is more overall dedication to service, better efficiency, increased dependability and a more cohesive method of operations, individually and collectively. We would do well to emulate the recipients' devotion to public service in order to reach departmental goals consistently. Please join me in congratulating each and every

The Intelligence Section of the Special Investigations Division won a Team/Partnership Achievement Award. Pictured are (front row, from left) Ron Holvey, Melissa Johnson and Carolyn Dunn and (back row, from left) Silmon Franken, Wayne A. Robbins and John Antinoro.

one of the NJDOC employees who received awards this year for their outstanding efforts.