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KINROSS - Kinross Correctional Facility recently selected Dennis Parish as their Officer of the Year. Facility supervisors nominated Parish, who has been a member of the Michigan Department of Corrections for 27 years, as an outstanding candidate for the award. A panel of his peers and representatives of the facility administration then selected him from a field of qualified nominees for this honor.
Parish has worked at KCF as a Corrections Officer since 1977, where he has spent his career working as a custody officer on the day shift. Parish has refused the opportunity to be promoted to stay on the day shift, to better maintain his family and community ties. As one of his primary duties, he must ensure the facility is safe and secure. The job requires the ability to make quick and tactically sound decisions while operating with a limited number of staff and generally in direct contact with prisoners.
According to a KCF press release, Parish has displayed exceptionally sound judgment during the performances of his duties. His ability to make sound decisions, coupled with an exceptional understanding of human nature and a calm demeanor, has contributed to the successful operation of KCF. Parish is always the first staff member supervisors turn to when a new officer is assigned to KCF and needs someone to train with.
"[Parish] is an excellent custody officer," said Parish's immediate supervisor Lt. John Akkanen. "His ability to work with people, attention to detail, concern for the security of the facility, staff, and prisoners represents the best combination of traits in a corrections professional. I would work with [Parish] any time."
Parish, who is a graduate of Brimley Area Schools and a member of the Bay Mills Indian Community, is active in family and community activities. He actively supports numerous area sports activities and encourages involvement in sports with the younger people he comes into contact with.
"I am honored to be chosen by the Selection Committee to represent the professional group of corrections officers who work at KCF," Parish said. "I would also like to thank the staff whom I have worked with over the last 27 years for making the time both challenging and worthwhile. I am especially proud to work with the staff on day shift, as I feel we have established an exceptional 'can do' team spirit."
Parish, along with other nominees from around the state, was honored at an awards ceremony in Lansing the first week in May. The ceremony was held in recognition of the corrections professionals in Michigan whose work helps keep their communities safer and as a part of National Corrections Officer Week, observed the week of May 7 through 14.
