Georgia Department of Corrections
Brian Owens, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (478) 992-5248
STATE OF GEORGIA
For Immediate Release
2011 Volunteer of the Year Named - Bill Newcomb of Valdosta State Prison Honored
Forsyth - The Department of Corrections named Bill Newcomb of Valdosta State Prison as Volunteer of the Year at the Eighth Annual GDC Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia.
The Department’s mission of protecting and serving the public could not be accomplished without the assistance of our community partners. Bill Newcomb was nominated by Corrections’ staff who wished to honor him for his contributions.
"The Department greatly appreciates everyone who gives their time to help us fulfill our mission," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "Bill’s work is a valuable asset to our agency," added Owens.
Additional recipients of the Volunteer of the Year award include: Marty McKenzie of Coastal State Prison; The Wilborn Family of Columbus Probation Office; Sarah Vitorino of Emmanuel Transitional Center; Barbara Griggs of Macon Transitional Center; and Alan Bonderund of Walker State Prison.
Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 guests. Making the award presentation with the Commissioner were Board of Corrections Secretary Rose Williams, Assistant Commissioner Timothy C. Ward and special guest speaker, State Representative Jay Neal.
The Department of Corrections is the fourth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 150,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.
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