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
Individual Fitness Award Recipient Named - Probation Officer Travis Bell Honored
Forsyth - The Department of Corrections awarded Probation Officer Travis Bell of the Covington Probation Office with the Individual Fitness Award at the Eighth Annual GDC Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia.
"Travis' commitment to the Department’s physical fitness program as well as his personal fitness regimen is a true inspiration to all GDC employees," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "He exemplifies the motto of purpose, passion and performance," added Owens.
The recipient of the Individual Fitness Award must be involved in a personal fitness plan and must diligently work towards achieving a positive health goal.
Officer Bell has been employed by the State of Georgia since 2002. Since the introduction of the Employee Fitness Standards for POST Certified Staff, Officer Bell made a commitment to improve his level of fitness as well as make a lifestyle change. Along with his wife, Alcovy Circuit ADA Melanie Bell, he began a new diet and exercise routine. In less than a year, Officer Bell lost a total of 60 pounds. Officer Bell’s efforts stand as a great example for all of his co-workers within his circuit.
Several key officials were on hand for the ceremony, which was attended by 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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