Richard J Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility celebrated employees with a vintage-themed 2026 staff appreciation week.
The vibrant staff celebration ran June 15-19 with a week-long series of festivities. The event served as an official thank-you to the institution’s dedicated workforce, honoring their daily contributions and professionalism. Regardless of job title, all staff play a vital role in public safety and rehabilitation.
Organized under the theme “vintage culture,” the event offered uniform and non-uniform personnel a chance to engage in camaraderie and themed daily activities.
The celebration featured a diverse lineup of daily events:
- Monday, June 15: Sweet Start Monday kicked off the week with an ice cream social.
- Tuesday, June 16: Staff tested their culinary talents during the salsa showdown.
- Wednesday, June 17: Drive & Dine Day highlighted the staff car show and barbecue.
- Thursday, June 18: A nostalgic Throwback Thursday highlighted valued staff with a grab-and-go lunch for on-duty personnel served by community volunteers.
- Friday, June 19: The week ended with Flannel Friday as the In-the-Final Lap Memorandum, RJD highlighted individual staff contributions. Supervisors shared praise thanking employees for their role in RJD’s success.
“This week was an essential opportunity to step back, celebrate RJD pride, and express our deep gratitude to the entire RJD team,” said acting Warden Mario Ramirez. “The resilience, patience and courage shown by our staff every single day are what keep this institution moving forward safely and effectively.“
Submitted by Lt. K. Cottrell
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