Awards and Appreciation, Beyond the Badge

Pleasant Valley marks 30 years of service

December 2, 2024

Acting Warden Steve Smith addresses the crowd at the Pleasant Valley State Prison, marking 30 years of public service.

To mark 30 years of public safety, Pleasant Valley State Prison recently held a staff appreciation day.

Observing the 30th anniversary of the 1994 activation of the prison, staff gathered to mark the occasion. The anniversary also served as a way to recognize employees’ enduring contributions to the institution.

The celebration began with a flag raising and plaque dedication from the Pleasant Valley State Prison Honor Guard under the direction of Sgt. Josh Gutierrez. Meanwhile, Vocational Instructor Holle Martin sang the National Anthem.

To the gathered crowd, Lt. Jason Martin welcomed current and former employees to the event and spoke about the status of the institution and some of the many changes which have come over the years.

Acting Warden Smith: ‘This is a great institution’

“Thank each and every one of you, all the previous staff and teams for building a strong foundation at this institution that led us all to today,” said acting Warden Steve Smith. “This is a great institution, one where staff enjoy working here and do not want to leave. This can be attributed to the foundation built and the traditions of hard work, excellence, camaraderie and family built over the last 30 years.”

Former Warden Scott Frauenheim agreed with Smith.

“It’s the best darn institution in the state,” he said to the cheers of staff.

A handful of employees who had 30 years of state service and those who helped activate the prison in 1994 were also recognized.

Then, the crowd was encouraged to enjoy the staff appreciation segment of the day hosted by the Employee Action Committee, administrators and numerous departments.

Employees of all shifts were treated to tri-tip provided by the committee and staff volunteer cooks through their fund-raising efforts.

In addition, there were a variety of events:

car show
chili cook-off
DJ music
vendor fair
corn hole boards

The day ended with the “Pie in the Face Fundraiser.” Fundraising winners Warden Smith, Associate Warden Matt Martin, and Capt. Alex Avila took whipped cream pies in the face.

Submitted by Pleasant Valley State Prison