What does being a correctional officer mean to me?
For one, it’s protecting those who are not free.
It’s working with men and women, who made a mistake,
Most are sorry, but now, it is too late.
It’s protecting the people of our towns,
Although most look down on us with frowns.
It’s being there to keep the peace,
Breaking up fights, and bringing them to a cease.
There are days all hell breaks loose,
With the Warden saying, send in the troops.
People ask me if I like my job,
Being with those who like to rob.
As I get up each day and put on my badge,
I look down my sleeve and see the Flag.
It stands for Justice, Freedom, and Unity,
Proud to be an American, the land of the free.
I walk in each day and see the fences,
With the sound of the whistle, my day commences.
As I walk around and patrol the yard,
I am looking to make sure my coworkers are not a far.
With the squeal of the radio there is an emergency,
I hear, I need help with the ut most urgency.
As your heart sinks in your chest in fear,
You take off running, getting it in gear.
You arrive and everything is under control,
You can now resume your duties on patrol.
The commander advises you have no relief,
It is the second time this week you think in disbelief.
As you walk around you begin to pray,
Please Lord; let this not be the day.
I know there were those who gave their lives,
That is the Ultimate Sacrifice in my eyes.
Be with me as I make my way,
Right now and every day.
Being a correctional officer isn’t for everyone,
It is a team effort, not acting as one.
Being able to handle the stress is a must,
And knowing what to do during a bust.
Correctional officers are made and not born,
It takes a lot of patience and a little scorn.
Author:
Correctional Officer Robert Henning
Green River Correctional Complex
Kentucky Department of Corrections
