Firsts
It's amazing how fulfilling stepping out of one's comfort zone can be. During this past weekend I did just that, twice.
On Friday night I walked in a parade. That's a first for me. I've watched plenty of them but never walked in one. JRCC A-shift (and friends) constructed a float that ultimately won "Most Original" float of the parade. It was an amazing concept of a gift, wrapped with a bow and tag "From JRCC." But, the sides opened up to reveal a family sitting I in front of the fire place and the Christmas tree. It was a brilliant concept and executed beautifully. Thank you A-shift. I walked with an ICAP dog named Ida. She's a pretty little golden lab. Our start to the evening was a little rough as I scared her by wearing a bombardier hat. However, we made up and she did very well through the parade considering it was her first parade too. It was blooming cold though. And I loved every single minute of it!
JRCC has been very short staffed. Every day the Admin Captain sends out emails about shift open to work. I bit the bullet and signed up for a shift which was last night. I signed up for the 2-10 shift and worked with A-shift in the SAU (Special Assistance Unit) for the criminally disturbed inmates. It was quite interesting. I was very nervous but towards the end of the shift I was settling in to the routine. I was on guard with everything and everyone (inmates). I observed the stellar work of the correctional officers as they interacted with inmates that could turn on them in a heartbeat. They seemed relaxed but I knew they were ready to react in a heartbeat. They're professionals and great at what they do. One of the officers asked me if I had a good shift. I replied, "I guess so." He's an older man who is actually retiring today due to health issues (cancer). He smiled and asked me these questions. 1) Did anyone escape? 2) Did anyone die? 3) Are you going home? When I answered No, No and Yes, he said, "Then you had a good shift." (Thank you Lloyd).
I was fortunate to work with A-shift. I have a lot of friends on A-shift. They helped me be not quite as nervous and filled me in on what to expect. I've worked at the prison for 15 years but this is only the 2nd shift that I've worked. Now that I know I can be an effective shift member, I will sign up for another shift if needed - and my schedule allows.
On Friday night I walked in a parade. That's a first for me. I've watched plenty of them but never walked in one. JRCC A-shift (and friends) constructed a float that ultimately won "Most Original" float of the parade. It was an amazing concept of a gift, wrapped with a bow and tag "From JRCC." But, the sides opened up to reveal a family sitting I in front of the fire place and the Christmas tree. It was a brilliant concept and executed beautifully. Thank you A-shift. I walked with an ICAP dog named Ida. She's a pretty little golden lab. Our start to the evening was a little rough as I scared her by wearing a bombardier hat. However, we made up and she did very well through the parade considering it was her first parade too. It was blooming cold though. And I loved every single minute of it!
JRCC has been very short staffed. Every day the Admin Captain sends out emails about shift open to work. I bit the bullet and signed up for a shift which was last night. I signed up for the 2-10 shift and worked with A-shift in the SAU (Special Assistance Unit) for the criminally disturbed inmates. It was quite interesting. I was very nervous but towards the end of the shift I was settling in to the routine. I was on guard with everything and everyone (inmates). I observed the stellar work of the correctional officers as they interacted with inmates that could turn on them in a heartbeat. They seemed relaxed but I knew they were ready to react in a heartbeat. They're professionals and great at what they do. One of the officers asked me if I had a good shift. I replied, "I guess so." He's an older man who is actually retiring today due to health issues (cancer). He smiled and asked me these questions. 1) Did anyone escape? 2) Did anyone die? 3) Are you going home? When I answered No, No and Yes, he said, "Then you had a good shift." (Thank you Lloyd).
I was fortunate to work with A-shift. I have a lot of friends on A-shift. They helped me be not quite as nervous and filled me in on what to expect. I've worked at the prison for 15 years but this is only the 2nd shift that I've worked. Now that I know I can be an effective shift member, I will sign up for another shift if needed - and my schedule allows.
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