For the first time, the Texas Corrections Association (TCA) has recognized two private prison staff members and a volunteer for outstanding service. TCA held is annual conference in June and presented awards to Officer Pamela Hamilton from the East Texas Treatment Facility, Officer Thomas Barnard from  the Bradshaw State Jail, and Pam Randall, a volunteer at the Bridgeport Correctional Center.

Officer Hamilton has worked at East Texas for nearly 10 years. She works with the facility’s special needs SAFPF population,  parole and probation female population, and with offenders in the DWI program.

“This particular assignment,” says Warden Greg Shirley, “requires hard work, attention to detail, compassion, and dedication. Officer Hamilton has a unique relationship with those she serves. She is greatly respected.”

Hamilton’s colleagues also have tremendous respect for her naturally caring personality. She has mentored many new officers, and they have expressed gratitude and admiration for Hamilton’s knowledge and work ethic.

Warden Shirley adds, “One day she came in extra early because a co-worker didn’t have transportation. She was here at 3:00 a.m. when her shift didn’t even start until 8:00 a.m. Now that shows a tremendous amount of teamwork, kindness, and selflessness.”

The Texas Corrections Association also recognized Pam Randall who volunteers at MTC’s Bridgeport Correctional Center. Pam is a certified volunteer chaplain’s assistant and the founder of Life Restoration, a nonprofit, charity organization. She has facilitated countless classes at the facility. Pam teaches incarcerated individuals about the importance of boundaries, integrity, honesty, a strong work ethic, identity, forgiveness, and other positive behaviors and attitudes.

Officer Thomas Barnard works at the Bradshaw State Jail and has various responsibilities at the facility. This is what management staff say about Officer Barnard.

“Officer Thomas Barnard is an outstanding employee who goes out of his way to help others. He unfailingly delivers tasks and is upbeat and positive. He is currently assigned as the armory officer but accomplishes duties beyond his normal assignments. Officer Barnard is very organized, efficient, and is a great leader. Also holding the role as SORT (Special Operations Response Team) commander, he combines a sharp intellect with excellent skills to assist others in becoming knowledgeable with various situations.”

Pam is also the founder of the Moses Project which provides handmade bassinets to various organizations that help new mothers. Pam and her team of volunteers teach the incarcerated men and women how to sew, crochet, quilt, and embroider.

“It is such an honor to receive the Star Award from TCA,” says Pam. “For the past seven years, I have been volunteering at the men’s correctional facilities in Bridgeport, Texas. I have found this volunteer work to be the most rewarding part of my life so far. It is wonderful to work with the team at MTC. The warden, major, office staff, and officers are a great team here in Bridgeport. It has been a wonderful experience to work together with this group through the months to see real change in the faces of the men we serve. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”

Congratulations to Pamela Hamilton and Pam Randall for their excellent service and for being the first individuals ever at a private facility to be recognized by TCA.