Morrison 2008 Corrections Officer of the Year

Lakeland Correctional Facility's Bryan Morrison has been named the 2008 Michigan Department of Corrections Officer of the Year. Officer Morrison is a leader, role model, and mentor to staff at the facility. He is always willing to help others and volunteers to train staff. He is an Emergency Response Team (ERT) Leader and works tirelessly to improve ERT and facility operations. Officer Morrison shows a passion for training, having assisted with ERT training, annual mandatory training at the facility level, and Officer Recruit Training.

Bryan exemplifies the characteristics of a professional, remaining positive, while putting the needs of others ahead of him. Bryan brings a sense of calm to chaotic situations and provides voice of strength and reassurance to those in need.

Bryan has been labeled a hero several times while acting within the bounds of his assigned duties. He remains humble about those events, but the title fits him well. One incredible example happened while Officer Morrison was on a transportation assignment. While traveling on the freeway, a car in front of Morrison hit a deer - not uncommon in Michigan. The deer then flipped in the air and crashed back-end first, through the rear window of the car, a very uncommon occurrence. The woman driving the car panicked and began swerving all over the road, finally coming to a stop on the edge of the freeway. While Morrison's partner ensured the security of the prisoners, Officer Morrison stopped his transportation vehicle and helped the shocked and bewildered driver, who exited the vehicle in a rather hasty manner. Morrison called for assistance and remained with the motorist until help arrived.

In the community, Bryan devotes his time and energy to several worthy causes. He is the head coach for the Camden-Frontier Schools' Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Team and serves as an assistant coach for the varsity team. Bryan works with the Hillsdale County Handicap Association and helped organize the local Special Olympic Basketball Team. He cuts wood for elderly who depend on wood heat, and volunteered to build wheelchair accessible ramps for those in the community who could not afford one otherwise.

Officer Morrison helped a fellow officer in need who was confined to a wheelchair. Bryan built a wheelchair accessible ramp for her home, remodeled her kitchen and with the help of others, raked her leaves and winterized her home.

LCF Deputy Warden Bonita Hoffner describes Morrison as "a role model who exemplifies the leadership the leadership qualities we strive toward…he is a person of integrity and character who is both respected and respectful."

Michigan Department of Corrections, FYI Newsletter 022308