By Omalie Simmons
June 9 was a day that most Coffield employees will remember as a truly
special day.
Not only was this a day to remember those officers who have given lives
in the line of duty, but also a day set aside to show appreciation for
those officers and staff members who give of themselves on a daily basis.
At 9 a.m., a very special memorial service was held in the Sons of God
Chapel, where ap-proximately 125 people gathered to remember those men
and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, in the line
of duty. The wardens, chaplains and the unit staff support team coordinated
the event. The service was beautifully conducted from the opening remarks;
to the lighting of the remembrance candle and the roll call of those remembered.
Surely, all those who attended were moved by this solemn time together.
With this service, Coffield was given a chance to say, “We remember
and we care.”
Also on June 9, the Coffield Unit held an Officers Appreciation Day
to honor their correctional and non-security staff. Food Service prepared
the pastries, coffee and punch. The feast was served by department heads,
supervisors and wardens. We appreciate all the hard work that our correctional
offices and non-security have done with an increased work load during this
time of short staffing.
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The Coffield Unit countroom staff gave April Jefferies 1st Shift countroom
supervisor, a party to congratulate her on her retirement June 30. April
began her career as an admin. tech II at the Coffield Unit April 23, 1990,
and remained in the Coffield countroom until her retirement.
The Coffield administration would like to wish you the best of luck
with future endeavors and we want to thank you for years of hard work and
dedication.
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Sgt. Bennie Coleman promoted to lieutenant on the Coffield Unit on July
1. Bennie began his career on the Coffield Unit on Nov. 11, 1993, as a
correctional officer in general population. He promoted to sergeant October
1996 and was assigned to 3rd Shift Administrative Segregation. He later
got assigned to 2nd Shift general population. Sgt. Coleman received the
Compliance Sergeant position and remained there until recently when he
promoted to lieutenant.
Congratulations, Lt. Coleman! We know you will be an asset to any shift
you are assigned to!
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The Slocum Rainbow Warriors, midget league softball girls, qualified
in district playoffs to advance to the state tournament July 17 in Belton.
These girls have worked really hard this season and we congratulate
them for district and wish them the best of luck in the state playoffs!
Several of the girls have proud parents and relatives who work for TDCJ-ID.
Go get ‘em girls!
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Lance Phillips, son of Cindy Walker, Coffield Use of Force Coordinator,
left for Army bootcamp in Columbia, S.C., on June 26.
Lance enlisted for four years and will be stationed in Augusta, GA,
upon completion of bootcamp. We all know that Lance will do great in the
Army and will be just fine, although we are not sure if Cindy is going
to make it without her “baby!” (ha!ha!)
Congratulations Lance and we wish you the best of luck!
