13 April 2007
Twenty-nine Canterbury Corrections Officers awarded long service medals awards today had between them, clocked up 504 years non-stop service with the prison service.
Among the recipients was Christchurch Men's Prison Manager John Roper and a group of Corrections Officers who were so keen to attend the ceremony together they persuaded organisers to defer it for four months.
Officiated by Selwyn District Council Mayor Michael McEvedy and South Island Regional Manager Paul Monk, the afternoon ceremony at Christchurch Men's Prison recognised officers who had given 14, 21 or 28 years service.
Apart from a short secondment in Auckland providing cover during a 1996 strike, Mr Roper’s 21-year career had been spent in Canterbury’s three prisons where he has steadily worked his way up the ladder as opportunities arose.
Normally the Canterbury awards ceremony would take place in December but tradition was set aside for a group of officers who, having trained together 14 years ago, wanted to receive their medals on the same day.
Mr Monk said enabling the group to do this and having Mr Roper among the recipients had been highlights of this year’s awards.
Asoona (John) Piano and Cathryn Walsh were the two longest serving officers with 28 years service each. Ten recipients received medals for 21 years service and the larger group of 17 were recognised for their 14 years service.
Included among the recipients were four Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) instructors and one Assets and Property Instructor.
Mr Monk paid tribute to the recipients saying: "The importance of senior staff within the Service has never been more crucial than in the current environment of ever expanding musters and ongoing recruitment of new but inexperienced staff."
"This seniority and leadership position brings with it a considerable responsibility. As senior staff you must lead by example in supporting the Service’s focus on core security, our efforts to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration and in ensuring fair treatment for all prisoners."
ENDS
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