Oregon CO is Top Supervisor
Sgt. Ron Park of Local 3940 (Council 75) has been selected by the International Association of Corrections Officers as the 2001 Correctional Supervisor of the Year.
A CO at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario, Ore., Park was nominated for the award after he participated in a life-saving action while on the way to work on New Year’s Eve 2000. An assistant chief with Ontario Fire and Rescue, he took control of an accident scene by calling 911 and coordinating both traffic control and medical assistance.
Park is one of the original 67 COs who were hired at Snake River when it opened 10 years ago. The facility is Oregon’s largest, housing 3,000 inmates. It started as a prison that housed sex offenders only, but also accepts "supermax" and mentally challenged inmates.
The change has been tough on Snake River’s corrections personnel. Two riots erupted, and several severe staff assaults have occurred. In 1991, Park became a member of the Tactical Emergency Response Team, an elite force that is called upon to put down disturbances and control hostage situations.
In addition to serving as volunteer firefighter, Park is a member of the local water search and rescue team, participates in river rafting trips for needy children and volunteers as coach for a girls’ softball and Little League.
