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 2010
Al Reker Award
Tammy Thompson, Meeker County Court Services Director
The Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers presented their highest award, the Al Reker Award to Tammy Thompson, Meeker County Court Services Director on May 26, 2010. The Al Reker award is given annually to individuals who have shown professionalism and dedication in the field of corrections.
The following is the nomination form submitted by Meeker County Probation Officers: Jared Taber, Denise Olson and Brenda Warren.
Tammy Thompson has been a probation officer since about 1981. Since 1999, Tammy has held the position of Director of Court Services, in addition to the duties of our director; she continues to supervise a full caseload of adults and juveniles. During her time, Tammy has seen a number of changes within corrections. When Tammy first started she was the lone female probation officer working along side several men, and a female support staff. Now, the probation department consists of all females, and one male. During Tammy’s tenure, there have also been several systematic changes, and a transition to the use of technology, which Tammy is extremely fond of.
Tammy has several attributes she brings to work with her on a daily basis. She provides her staff with leadership, support, and encouragement. Tammy takes the time to listen to her staff, and provide direction whenever needed. In addition, she treats clients in a respectful manner, and at the same time holds them accountable for their behaviors. Tammy also has a good sense of humor, which helps to lighten things up when things are stressful in the office. Tammy’s attributes are countless, and she truly makes it fun to come to work on a daily basis.
Tammy’s leadership qualities have lead to minimum turnover amongst the three other probation officers, which she supervises. Tammy is an advocate not only for her employees, but also her clients. She takes the time to assist them with their questions, and goes above and beyond at times to help them out. Tammy has been creative with finding ways to get things done, in terms of funding, as well as sentencing. Tammy collaborates with several outside agencies, and has been active with a number of committees, including representing Meeker County on the PACT 4 Families Executive Board, the Litchfield Area Mentoring Program (LAMP), Parents Forever, Litchfield Area Rural Partners in Prevention, Local Collaborative Time Study, and a long-time member of MACPO and MCA. Tammy has also been attending MACPO Director’s meetings on a regular basis. In addition, Tammy leadership has lead to exceptional relationships with our Judges, Social Service Department, Sheriff’s Department, Police Department, and County Attorney’s Office.
We believe Tammy is very deserving of this award, and this nomination is long overdue.
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past Al Reker award winners
 2010
Excellence in Corrections Award
Jonathan Schiro, Probation Officer,
Brown County Probation
On May 26, 2010, MACPO was excited to give the 2010 Excellence in Corrections Award to Jonathan Schiro.
The following is the nomination form submitted by Les Schultz, Director, Brown County Probation.
I would like to take this opportunity to nominate Jon Schiro for the Excellence in Corrections Award.
Jon Schiro has been an agent with Brown County since February 1999. Jon came to this office as “green” as could be with just one short internship for experience. Jon quickly learned the skills necessary to become a very effective probation officer. Jon started out for five years as an ISP agent for DWI offenders and several years ago was transferred into a traditional caseload.
Jon has taken on many duties in recent years. He is the “go to” guy with drug testing related questions, DWI laws, placements, etc. Jon managed the REAM grant for DWI offenders for many years. Jon also serves on quite a few committees both locally and statewide. Jon is currently the Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator along with supervising a small caseload of offenders. Our drug court program is only one of three in MN and the only program that currently accepts CHIPS cases which adds to the complexity of this kind of program.
Jon is very well respected in the field of corrections. He is a constant professional. You can always county on Jon to get the job done, and done well. He has the ability to work well with offenders and assist them into understanding their behaviors and what needs to change if they want to succeed. Jon is the type of probation officer everyone should try to emulate. He is just an outstanding probation officer and future leader in the field of corrections.
 2010
Outstanding Performance Award
Rachel Miller, Probation Officer,
Isanti County Probation Department
On May 26, 2010, Isanti County Probation Officer Rachel Miller was presented with the 2010 Outstanding Performance Award.
The following is the nomination form submitted by Tim MacMillan, Director, Isanti County Probation.
Rachel Miller started her career with Isanti County Probation on September 1, 2005. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts degree earned in December 2003 with a major in Criminology and a minor in Psychology. Rachel earned her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Studies from Saint Cloud State University. Rachel’s prior work service before becoming an agent include Night Staff Counselor at Woodland Hills, Corrections Officer at Bethel Work Release and two internships at ARC and Anoka County Juvenile Field Unit. Rachel was also employed at St. Cloud State Public Safety as a Dispatch Officer.
Rachel is self motivated and displays outstanding performance in the work that she does. In November 2007, Rachel was promoted to Senior Corrections Agent per the Department of Corrections career promotional process, based on her impressive work in many areas. When Evidence-Based Practices was gaining momentum in Minnesota’s correctional agencies, Rachel stepped out of her comfort zone of traditional case methods and completed training in the “Thinking For Change” cognitive skills program, Effective Case Management, Motivational Interviewing I and II, Foundation Skills For Trainers, Youth Level Service Training for Trainers, Evidence-Based Practices in Children’s Mental Health, YLS- Phase II Apprentice Final Training, and ECM Booster sessions. Rachel did not stop there! She also shared what she learned with others and brought these ideas back to her own agency, and was later given the charge of EBP Coordinator.
Rachel continues to teach and train other agents in the YLS/CMI and in other EPB standards and curriculums. She is currently assisting our statewide EBP Policy Team, and helping to develop a legislative report focused on the use of Evidence-Based Practices. Rachel has also participated on the MACPO Membership Committee, the MACPO New Agent Training Academy, and the ORAN (Offender Risk Assessment Network). In addition, she helped organize Level I MI training, Case Planning for in-house staff, YLS and LSI-R for her co-workers, and she is a member of the Isanti County Safety Committee. She helps coordinate the Isanti County Probation Internship Program, Juvenile STS and teaches the Isanti County “shoplifting program.” Overall, Rachel has a “can do” attitude!
In summary, Rachel is a very deserving candidate for the MACPO Outstanding Performance Award because of her motivation and willingness to learn about “what works” and Evidence-Based Practices, and because her extensive training and her willingness to utilize her skills and knowledge with others, and her desire to stay involved in various committees and programs, demonstrates leadership and outstanding performance!
MACPO Congratulates Rachel on winning this well deserving award!
Outgoing
President Recognition Award
John Klavins, Carver County Court Services Director
John received a plaque as outgoing president of MACPO for the 2009-2010 year. John worked very hard this past year and did an outstanding job for all of MACPO’s members!
Outgoing
Secretary Recognition Award
Denise Olson, Probation Officer, Meeker County Probation
Denise was given a plaque in recognition as outgoing secretary of MACPO for the 2009-2010 year. Denise did an excellent job and worked very diligently for MACPO!
The following people were recognized by MACPO for their contributions to their committee’s that they have served as chairs over the past year.
Steve Paquay, Legislative Committee Chair, Chisago County Court Services Director
Chuck Kitzman, Membership Committee Co-Chair, Otter Tail County Probation Director
Jill Arbeiter, Membership Committee Co-Chair, Probation Officer, Carver County Court Services
Neal Huemoeller, Training and Education Committee Co-Chair, Probation Officer, Wright County Court Services
Click here to view the 2009 winners.
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