Tennessee Department of Correction

Congratulations to the latest cohort to complete Crisis Intervention Team training at the Tennessee Correction Academy! The 40-hour program focused on de-escalation techniques, mental health awareness, and crisis response – combining classroom instruction with hands-on role-playing scenarios.

By the week’s end, trainees reported increased confidence in their ability to recognize mental health crises and apply CIT principles in real world situations.

The Tennessee Department of Correction is mourning the loss of Chaplain Yolanda Walker. Chaplain Walker faithfully served for 22 years at the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center and was tireless in her devotion to providing the highest level of spiritual care to inmates and staff. She was a friend, mentor, and spiritual adviser to many and an admired leader to hundreds of volunteers.

“Many of us had the privilege of working closely with Chaplain Walker, and we know how deeply she cared for the people in our facility and for every member of our team. Her kindness, steady presence, and the comfort she offered made a lasting impact on all who knew her. This loss will be felt across our entire community. ” - Ashlee Wheeler, DJRC Associate Warden

Kevin Garceau has been selected to serve as the Correctional Administrator for Prison Operations in the East Region! CA Garceau brings nearly 30 years of correctional experience to the Tennessee Department of Correction. Join us in welcoming CA Garceau to his new role!

Class 506-26 is graduating from Basic Probation Parole Officer Training at the Tennessee Correction Academy on Friday at 10:00 a.m. CDT. Deputy District Director Kelly Jacobs will be the keynote speaker. If you’re not able to attend in person, watch the livestream of the ceremony on TDOC’s page. Congratulations to the newest members of !

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Community Supervision staff in District 10, headquartered in Johnson City, collected donations to help support the mission of Isaiah 117 House, an organization that provides a safe, comforting place for children awaiting foster care placement. Staff collected $400 in donations, as well as essential items like socks, pillows, and pajamas to support children going through a difficult transition.

“The success of this project reflects the compassion and dedication of everyone involved. District 10 continues to show what it means to serve not only our community, but those who need us most.” – Director Anthony Maxey

The Turney Center Annex in Wayne County honored outstanding employees for their dedication and commitment to the Tennessee Department of Correction. Congratulations to:

• Sgt. Cody Gatlin – Supervisor of the Year
• Officer Stephanie Staggs – Employee of the Year
• Officer Austin Young – Rookie of the Year
• Stephanie “Jyl” Risner – Treatment Staff Member of the Year
• Facility Manager Terry Dickey – Administrative Supervisor of the Year

These employees exemplify the leadership, integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to service that defines what it means to work for TDOC. Great job!

Valerie Griffith knows what it feels like to start something new. In 2017, after working in healthcare, she joined the Northwest Correctional Complex as a correctional officer, looking for a different career path with room to grow. The work was new, but she trusted her training and learned the role one shift at a time.

Nearly nine years later, Valerie is now a Sergeant. She kept showing up until the unknown became familiar, and the lessons became something she could pass on to others. “If I could talk to the officer I was in 2017, I would tell her to keep going. The nervousness will not last, and every lesson will matter. One day, what you are learning now will help guide someone else.” -Sergeant Valerie Griffith

Inmates at the Turney Center Industrial Complex were recognized for earning their bachelor’s degrees through Belmont University, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey. Gov. Bill Lee joined the ceremony, reinforcing Tennessee’s continued support for expanding access to higher education in prisons.

Through the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative, TDOC provides degree opportunities through more than 10 colleges and universities across the state, helping prepare inmates for successful reentry and brighter futures.

“You are proof that change is real, proof that potential does not disappear, and proof that a person can fall and still rise with purpose.” – TCIX Belmont graduate

The West Tennessee State Penitentiary hosted a graduation ceremony for seven incarcerated men who earned associate degrees in business administration from Dyersburg State Community College.

Inside the visitation gallery, the graduates sat in caps and gowns as college faculty conferred their degrees. Family members, TDOC staff, and college partners gathered to recognize the work that went into reaching this moment and the next chapter these men are preparing for. “Our goal is to help people leave better prepared than when they arrived,” WTSP Warden Johnny Fitz shared.