CORRECTION OFFICER, WENDELINE OLMO, A.M.K.C.

Bulging waistbands, clenched fists, socks, shirt sleeves, electrical tape and pants pockets — these are just a few of the hiding places that were not quite secret enough to defeat the vigilance of CO Wendeline Olmo.

In the exemplary performance of her duties on the visit floor at A.M.K.C., Officer Olmo has discovered contraband such as marijuana, pills, heroin and other substances secreted in balloons, condoms, and plastic bags.

Since the beginning of 2011, there have been 74 visitor arrests at A.M.K.C.; 28 were attributed to searches and findings by Officer Olmo.

The arrests don’t always come off easily — in May, a male visitor pushed Officer Olmo to the wall when she went to pick up a balloon filled with pills.

Officer Olmo joined DOC in 2005, and has since used her training and thoroughness to make a substantial contribution to the safety and security of the Department.

CORRECTION OFFICER THOMAS SINGLETON, G.M.D.C.

Correction Officer Thomas Singleton has only been on the job for three years, but he clearly has a talent for paying attention to the critical details that are so crucial to keeping the jails safe arid secure.

On Sept. 21st, at approximately 8:15 AM, Officer Singleton was helping to conduct an Institutional Search of housing area 7 main “A” side when he was searching cell #23. That’s when he saw that the rear window was compromised:

The locking mechanisms column panel was not attached with screws; a piece of cardboard was wedged under the pane and the window screen had also been unsecured. One glass louver was shattered and another had been removed completely.

It was later discovered that the inmate assigned to that area was planning an escape. It was with Officer Singleton's keen attention to detail that the escape was thwarted, helping to prevent a serious incident.

CORRECTION OFFICER TIMOTHY LOVE, V.C.B.C.

Since the beginning of 2011, the Vernon C. Bain Center has had 12 visitor arrests; eight of these arrest were because of searches conducted by Correction Officer Timothy Love.

In August, Love conducted a routine search of a visitor and recovered a single- edge razor from the visitor’s pocketbook.

In September, Officer Love recovered a green leafy substance from the wallet of another visitor which was later determinech to be marijuana.

Officer Love has also discovered four single -edge razors, as well as tobacco, marijuana, a knife and a utility razor.

It Is because of Officer Love's meticulous searches and attention to detail that multiple incidents have been avoided.

Officer Love began his career with the Department in 2006.

CORRECTION OFFICER AMETHEIEUS HAMLET & CORRECTION OFFICER CHRISTOPHER DOMOND, G.M.D.C.

When a three-alarm fire erupted at 10 PM on July 11th on the roof of G.M.D.C. Housing Module 14, all staff on duty sprung into action to evacuate inmates and staff.

Two Officers in particular were key players in the evacuation of inmates within the housing areas.

Partners Ametheieus Hamlet and Christopher Domond took charge after receiving direct orders from ADW Jennings. Officers Hamlet and Domond assisted with the swift evacuation of 97 inmates.

Both Officers kept everything controlled and arranged the evacuation in an efficient, orderly manner, while also further ensuring that an accurate count was being maintained throughout the entire incident.

Their actions upheld the care, custody and control values of the Department. The Officers' ability to follow instructions, along with their professionalism, helped to keep the situation under control.

Officer Hamlet has been with the Department since 2004, and Officer Domond since 2007.

CAPTAIN JOSEPH DEPAOLO, CARE

DOC staff has long known they have a friend in Capt. Joseph Depaolo.

Since 2004, Capt. Depaolo has devoted himself to serving the DOC as part of the Correctional Assistance for Response to Employees unit (CARE), but he has long been known for stretching out a helping hand and lending a shoulder to lean on in difficult times.

A member of DOC since 1987, Capt. Depaolo's ability to listen and his naturally considerate and thoughtful manner make it clear that he genuinely cares and will do all he can to help his colleagues in times of sadness and crisis.

A veteran of several facilities, including O.B.C.C., A.M.K.C., and R.N.D.C., Capt. Depaolo has not been content to keep doing things the same way.

He has continuously deepened his knowledge of how to best help DOC staff, studying interpersonal communications, stress management and emergency management.

CAPTAIN JAMES BOWDEN & CAPTAIN JORGE TORRES, O.S.l.U. & CUSTODY MANAGEMENT

When you're managing an inmate population as large as the one admitted and discharged each year from the Department of Correction in NYC, you need dedicated staff with exemplary attention to detail and accuracy.

In Captain James Bowden and Captain Jorge Torres, the Department is fortunate to have two individuals with just those skills. Both are exemplary employees who are instrumental in the management of inmates.

Captain Bowden plays a key role as part of the Operations Security Intelligence Unit which oversees high-security, centrally monitored cases and restraint-status inmates. Captain Torres facilitates the mass movement of the inmate population, serves as the agency liaison with other local law enforcement agencies, and has created countless relationships with jail and prison systems in other jurisdictions.

Captain Bowden has been with the Department since 1983, and Captain Torres since 1984.

CORRECTION OFFICER RAQUEL ROSARIO & K-9 MARTY, S.O.D.

In the past two years, Canine Unit Officer Raquel Rosario and her partner, Marty, the Department's first Border Collie, have been a bane to those who would attempt to smuggle contraband into the NYC jails through inmate mail.

Together, Officer Rosario and Marty have discovered 53 separate contraband attempts — including

1. heroin,
2. marijuana,
3. Suboxone,
4. tobacco — as well as
5. razor blades and
6. scalpel blades.

Officer Rosario’s diligence has also led her to complete ESU basic training.

Her strong work ethic, and the dogged excellence of K-9 Marty, have helped to make the DOC a safer place for staff and inmates alike.