Villagomez inks proclamation for DOC officers, staff

Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez was at the Department of Corrections yesterday afternoon to sign a proclamation declaring Feb. 1 to 7 as Correctional Officers and Employees Week.

Villagomez said the duties of DOC officers and employees have become increasingly complex, very demanding and challenging, and often do not receive the recognition they deserve.

“It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments made by these men and women of the Department of Corrections,” said the lieutenant governor in the proclamation.

The signing was held in front of the Vicente Seman Building or the Adult Correctional Facility in Susupe.

At the ceremony, Corrections Officer 3 Stanley Ngircheungel was awarded DOC’s “Employee of the Year.”

“I’m surprised because I don’t know about this,” said Ngircheungel, who has been working with DOC for almost nine years now. “I’m very proud that they chose me to be the Employee of the Year.”

Villagomez said DOC officers and employees play a vital role in providing effective and efficient correctional services and programs to inmates.

He said DOC officers and employees safeguard the public by ensuring that no escapes, disturbances or riots occur within the facility “by providing inmates with an environment that meets their security needs and are treated humanely.”

DOC Commissioner Lino Tenorio said the ceremony is actually something that entails special recognition for DOC officers and staff for the things that they have been doing the past several years.

“This is not to say that everything is perfect. But for the most part, everybody really put in their time and effort to make this department the way it is. It is one of the most highly looked up to department because the officers are just so sharp,” Tenorio said.

He noted that the officers and staff have been complying with the department’s standard operating procedures.

“After several years of hard work in trying to bring this facility, getting the inmates here so we can get going and meet the consent decree issues, the whole purpose is to thank and recognize the officers for the job they have done,” the commissioner said.

Among the guests at the ceremony were Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela and Superior Court associate judge David A. Wiseman.