This is a story about an individual dedicated to the BIONIC mission of MTC. It’s simple. He is dedicated to being a positive influence every day.

Maurice Washington is a correctional officer at the Diboll Correctional Center in Diboll, TX. This evening he stops by a local gun range to relax on his way home from work, a pastime he truly enjoys. At work the next morning, Maurice is the exemplary officer and employee he’s been every day for the last ten years. Warden David Driskell is well aware of Maurice’s profound influence on staff and residents of the facility.

“If new correctional officers wanted to choose someone to emulate themselves after,” he says, “it would certainly be him (Maurice).” Warden Driskell is not alone.

“He is self-driven,” agrees Sylvester Warren, who served as a major at Diboll before retiring. “He’s not one that we have to motivate. He’s an outstanding employee. And he’s trustworthy; you can trust his decision-making and judgment.”

It all starts with a philosophy. “Everybody has something to give,” says Maurice, “everybody has a tool to give, so I’m learning from everybody. No matter who it is, everybody’s got something. I may not be able to apply it to my job today, but I know one day soon I will be able to apply it.”

Maurice seeks to help others. “I think new staff enjoys working with him because he teaches them,” explains Warden Driskell. “He wants to look to do the job the right way, the MTC way, and he teaches (this way) as he coaches and guides new staff.”

“His ability to interact with the new staff,” relates retired major Warren, “helps us retain staff as well.”

Officer Washington does what he can to encourage Diboll unit residents.

“Mr. Washington is an excellent employee,” Warren continued. “We love him here at the Diboll Correctional Center.” The feeling is mutual.

“I enjoy everybody here at Diboll,” Maurice says. “My co-workers. It’s alright. I like it.”