The Sarpy County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday recognized May 7-13, 2023 as National Correctional Officers and Employees Appreciation Week to express the county’s gratitude for these county employees’ professionalism, courage and dedication.
The employees of the Sarpy County Department of Corrections, Sarpy County Community Corrections and the Sarpy County Juvenile Justice Center serve with integrity, respect and compassion. Their often unseen work is critical to the criminal justice system.
Ryan Mahr, the Department of Corrections Director, recognized three employees at the board meeting for their exemplary service: Admissions Specialist Nicole O’Doniel, Corrections Officer Hannah Nelson and Risk Management & Compliance Coordinator Linda Dean.
Jake Berst, Community Corrections Director, recognized Community Corrections Specialist Stacey Myers as a standout employee, who has worked for the county for nearly five years.
Myers’ responsibilities in Community Corrections include the processing of applications for our House Arrest, Work Release and Re-Entry Assistance programs, as well as handling the supervision of individuals placed on those programs. Myers, pictured below with Berst, was selected for recognition because she has taken on additional responsibilities, while making suggestions for operational improvement and increasing efficiency. She is an excellent team-player and is well-respected by her peers in the office and colleagues in the county.
O’Doniel was recognized as a Department of Corrections Employee of the Year is responsible for verifying bonds, checking for warrants, classifying, admitting and releasing inmates from the Sarpy County Jail. Having been with the Department of Corrections for 16 years, she has a long track record of service to the county. O'Doniel Nelson is pictured below with Operations Administrator Julie Nielsen, left, and Assistant Director Jo Martin, right.
Nelson has worked for the Department of Corrections for more than three years and was recognized by her peers for her success in assisting inmates who are suffering from mental health issues. As a Jail Training Officer, she has helped several new employees successfully complete their pre-service training. Nelson is pictured below with Operations Administrator Julie Nielsen, left, and Assistant Director Jo Martin, right.
Dean was recognized for leading the Department of Corrections in its transition to a new Jail Management System. Linda spent more than a year working with program engineers to ensure the system would meet the complex needs of the facility; she developed and then executed a implementation plan that made the transition to a new system. Dean is pictured below with Operations Administrator Julie Nielsen, left, and Assistant Director Jo Martin, right.
