In the Prisons

Larch Corrections Center Recognized for Support of staff in National Guard and Reserve

By Sherri Foley, Administrative Assistant, Larch Corrections Center

Patricia Murphy, a reporter with KUOW, follows Community Corrections Officer Randy Vanzandt inside a house where an offender lives in Seattle. DOC invited Murphy to learn how DOC supervises Dangerous Mentally Ill Offenders in communities.
Acting Sergeant Shawn Piliponis, Officer Kelin Ray and

Captain Rick Karten at the Freedom Salute Ceremony Oct. 25

Larch Corrections Center in October received two Patriot Awards from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Committee for its superior support of National Guard and Reserve employees.

The ESGR is a group of civilian volunteers who report to the Department of Defense and are dedicated to the support of the military and their employers.

The Patriot Award was presented to Larch Superintendent Patricia Gorman at a ceremony held in Olympia Oct. 11. Larch Officer Roberto Olivera nominated the facility for the award because of the support he received while deployed in Iraq during the past year.

“Larch staff are proud of this recognition,” said Gorman. “But, more importantly, we are honored to work with and know the brave men and women who proudly serve our country.”

Larch’s second Patriot Award was presented to Captain Rick Karten at the Freedom Salute ceremony held in Kelso Oct. 25.  Larch was nominated for this award by Officer Kelin Ray who also recently returned from Iraq.

Larch staff members sent care packages, emails, and letters to the staff members during their deployments.

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