EWING
- The New Jersey Juvenile Justice
Commission (JJC) recently honored
Jonathan Jester as one of five
2005 Correction Officer of the
Year recipients. Senior Corrections
Officer (SCO) Jester was cited
for his professionalism and dedication.
SCO Jester has served the JJC
since September 2001 at the Juvenile
Medium Security Facility in Bordentown.
He was promoted to Senior Correction
Officer in October 2002. He holds
certification in Methods of Instruction
(M.O.I.) and defensive tactics.
As the instructor for defensive
tactics, he specializes in teaching
the use of PR 24 which stresses
the proper use of Protective Restraints.
SCO
Jester says, “I joined the
JJC looking for advancement in
my career, while continuing to
work with juveniles. The JJC gave
me the opportunity to achieve
both.”
SCO Jester resides in Ewing with
his wife Marlene. He is active
in his community where he coaches
track for Notre Dame High School
in Lawrence, acts as a mentor
for young adults accompanying
them on trips and to the movies,
and as a volunteer with the Trenton
Soup Kitchen.
“Through
his professionalism on the job
and his commitment to his community,
Senior Correction Officer Jonathan
Jester has proven to be a role
model and mentor for the juvenile
residents in JJC facilities as
well for young people in his community,"
said Howard L. Beyer, Executive
Director of the Juvenile Justice
Commission. "The JJC is committed
to realizing the potential of
the youth in its care and helping
them change the direction of their
futures. Our dedicated and experienced
law enforcement staff play a critical
role in fulfilling this mission."
The
Juvenile Justice Commission employs
approximately 500 highly trained
law enforcement officers. Each
officer must complete an intensive
training course at the JJC's Training
Academy, which not only includes
physical training, CPR and written
exercises, but teaches officers
to communicate with youth and
instructs staff on techniques
to diffuse tense situations.
This award is bestowed annually
upon one officer from each of
the five secure juvenile facilities
operated by the JJC. Recipients
of this award are selected based
on outstanding job performance,
exemplary work records, and service
to their communities.
The award is given in conjunction
with a proclamation issued by
New Jersey Acting Governor Richard
J. Codey declaring the week of
May 2-6 as "Correctional
Officer Appreciation Week."
The proclamation recognizes the
men and women who uphold justice
and keep New Jersey's communities
safe through their dedication
and experience.
For
more information please visit
www.njjjc.org.
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