LEWISTOWN — Corrections employees play an essential role in protecting public safety, maintaining order and supporting the justice system — often in environments that demand constant vigilance, professionalism, and sound judgment.

Observed annually during the first full week of May, this year’s National Correctional Officers and Employees Week is being held May 3-9, providing a timely reminder of the dedication and professionalism of those who serve in corrections.

While police officers and first responders are frequently visible in their service to the community, corrections professionals carry out their duties behind secure walls, where challenges are constant and the stakes are high. Their contributions deserve equal acknowledgement and respect.

“Corrections work requires resilience,” Mifflin County Commissioner and Prison Board Chair Kevin Kodish said during the commissioner’s regular meeting at the Mifflin County Courthouse in Lewistown. “It requires showing up on the hard days, treating people with dignity, and upholding the highest standards even when no one is watching. That kind of integrity speaks volumes about who they are, both as professionals and as individuals.”

Corrections professionals are a vital part of the broader law enforcement system. Their responsibilities extend far beyond maintaining order within correctional facilities. They serve on the front lines of public safety by ensuring that secure environments are maintained, individuals are supervised appropriately, and institutional standards are upheld. Without their daily efforts, the justice system could not function effectively, nor could communities feel the sense of safety they often take for granted.

The work inside a correctional facility is complex and demanding. Officers and staff must balance safety, security, and humanity every day. They are tasked not only with enforcing rules but also with managing individuals who may be experiencing significant personal, emotional, or psychological challenges. This environment requires a unique combination of discipline, awareness, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.

“To the officers, support staff, medical teams, counselors and administrators — each of you plays a vital role,” Kodish added. “It is truly a team effort, and our communities are safer because of your dedication.

“On behalf of the commissioners and the Prison Board, we thank our corrections employees for their service, their professionalism and their commitment to doing a difficult job the right way,” Kodish added. “We are proud to recognize them this week and grateful for the work they do every single day.”

Beyond security, corrections professionals often act as mentors, counselors, and role models. For many individuals in custody, the interactions they have with corrections staff can shape their outlook and behavior. A respectful conversation, consistent expectations, or encouragement to pursue educational or rehabilitative programs can have a lasting impact. In this way, corrections professionals contribute not only to immediate safety but also to long-term outcomes that affect recidivism and community well-being.

Resilience is a defining trait of those who serve in corrections. The job requires individuals to report to work each day prepared to face unpredictable situations. They must remain calm under pressure, make critical decisions quickly, and consistently demonstrate professionalism. Even on the most difficult days, they are expected to treat others with dignity and fairness. This commitment to doing the right thing — even when it goes unseen — reflects a deep sense of integrity and pride in their work.

The Mifflin County Correctional Facility in Lewistown was constructed in 2001 and the facility has a capacity of 141 inmates.

Operated by the Mifflin County Sheriff’s Department, MCCF serves as both a county jail and a central booking center for criminal fingerprinting, arraignment and Megan’s Law processing.

“This has been the best stop of my correctional career and it is directly due to the staff at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility,” Warden Jason Kormanic said. “Our staff is among the best and most professional there is.”

It is also important to recognize that corrections is truly a team effort. While uniformed officers play a highly visible role, they are supported by a wide network of professionals including medical personnel, mental health counselors, administrative staff and facility leadership.

Despite the significance of their work, corrections professionals often do not receive the level of recognition afforded to other public safety roles. Their successes — preventing incidents, maintaining order, and helping individuals make positive changes — are rarely headline news. Yet these quiet achievements are foundational to the safety and health of our communities.

Corrections Employees Week serves as a reminder to pause and acknowledge these contributions. It provides an opportunity for communities, leaders, and colleagues to express appreciation for the dedication, professionalism, and strength it takes to serve in this field. Recognition is not only well deserved, but necessary to highlight the importance of the work being done every day.

Most importantly, they demonstrate what it means to serve with purpose. Their work requires patience, courage, and a commitment to principles that are not always easy to uphold. Yet, they continue to show up — day after day — ready to perform a difficult job with professionalism and pride.

“The work our corrections employees do goes far beyond maintaining safety and security,” Kodish said. “They are mentors, problem-solvers and role models. They help create structure where there could be chaos, and stability where it’s needed most. That takes skill, training, and a deep sense of purpose.”

During National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, and throughout the year, it is important to recognize these individuals for the critical role they play. Our communities are safer, our institutions are stronger and our shared sense of justice is reinforced because of their service.