Local man named top officer at prison

By Donna Hales
Times Staff Writer

April 22, 2008 04:55 pm

— Arden “Mitch” Espe got caught off guard at being named Correctional Officer of the Year at Jess Dunn Correctional Center.
“It surprised me,” said Espe, 55, of Fort Gibson.
But to Lynne Martinez, chief of security, there was nothing surprising about the award going to Espe.
“He’s an excellent employee who works in a shift supervisor capacity some and gets a lot of respect from his peers,” Martinez said.
“He’s very professional in dealing with everybody — it (award) was very well deserved.”
Espe said he looks forward going to work every day.
“I love it,” he said. “I enjoy working with people, I get to be a role model, and if they don’t go back (to prison), I feel like I’ve done my job.”
He likes the different personalities, working with different ethnic groups.
“It’s a unique job that’s never the same two days in a row.”
He said he also likes working with officers and support staff, hearing their different views.
“I like hearing their different ideas for programs that help make sure they (inmates) don’t have to go back in there,” Espe said.
He usually works 4 p.m. to midnight. He’s not afraid but says you’ve got to remember where you are and who you’re dealing with.
Most of the people living at the facility aren’t there for singing too loud at church, he said.
“You’ve got to give some respect to get it,” he said. “I try to give them (inmates) some dignity.
“I never raise my voice — never. You get into a screaming match, and you’ve lost everything.”
It’s hard sometimes to keep your composure, but it’s something you’ve just got to do, he said.
“I smile everyday,” he said. “You smile even when it’s a gloomy day — it helps you and others.”
Espe said he never regrets having to go to work, but looks forward to it.
“I love my job.”
Reach Donna Hales at 684-2923 or dhales@muskogeephoenix.com.

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