Corrections Office holds first annual awards

NEWTON — The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its First Annual Awards Day. Bureau of Corrections Awards Day is intended to recognize and commend the actions of both sworn and civilian personnel employed with the Bureau of Corrections who have earned awards and gone above any beyond the scope of their normal duties throughout the last calendar year.
This year encompassed a wide variety of recognition across the spectrum, and included some past awardees that have yet had the opportunity to be formally recognized as well.
Among the distinguished guests were Sheriff Mike Strada, Freeholder Sylvia Petillo, Warden Mark Farsi, Undersheriff Lee Liddy, Captain Will Puentes, and Captain Larry Beller. Sergeant Anthony Masucci and Officer Richard Cullen led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a thoughtful and inspiring invocation from Deacon Wayne Vondoehren, who volunteers his personal time at the jail for Church and Spiritual Programs devoted to the rehabilitation and support of those incarcerated.
Kind words from both the Sheriff and Freeholder included that Corrections staff are subjected to some of the toughest conditions on a daily basis, and that being able to recognize their outstanding efforts on a formal basis is of utmost importance. A segment of Freeholder Sylvia Petillo’s speech reverberated throughout those in attendance when she explained that one of the most prominent aspects she has discovered within the Bureau of Corrections was “pride”: not a selfish type of pride, but a stewardship toward the selfless service that staff, both sworn and civilian, convey on a daily basis, often without recognition or public acclaim.
The formal portion of the ceremony was closed by Captain Will Puentes, thanking all of the attendees, recipients, staff, and family members in attendance that made the day possible. Staff, family and friends were warmly welcomed to stay for cake, coffee, and pictures following the event.