National Correctional Officer Week May 7-13

The title of Correctional Officer is one that is often overlooked or simply forgotten when Law Enforcement Agencies are mentioned among the public. Former President Ronald Reagan recognized this and saw a need to thank those individuals who’ve chosen the profession of Corrections throughout the nation. On May 5, 1984, President Ronald Reagan established The National Correctional Officers Week to be celebrated the first full week of the month of May.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice arrived to the City of Fort Stockton in July 1992 with the opening of the Fort Stockton N5 Unit. Two years later, The James A. Lynaugh Unit was established and operational in September 1994. For the last 31 years, TDCJ has been a major part of the community, employing many residents locally and in the surrounding areas during the initial years of operations. In this time, the facilities were fully staffed and provided numerous services for the community. The community squad comprised of inmates authorized to work among the public were seen helping build sets for the annual Water Carnival, re-painting local schools, baseball fields, park clean up, to name a few of the many projects. It is not only the officers, but those who work in the Educational Field, Medical, Clerks, Classification, Parole, and Chaplaincy, plus many more.

Correctional employees are the ones who step into the shadows of society to perform a job not many are willing to do. One week out of the year, the correctional officer and employees have more than earned a thank you. This year May 7-13, 2023 is designated as National Correctional Officers Week, for all our local employees, and those traveling, we thank and appreciate all you do.

Captain Reyes Lopez James A. Lynaugh Fort Stockton N5 Complex