Michigan Corrections Organization

Great seeing so many of you yesterday at COPS Day!

Thousands of #correctionalofficers and staff have contracted COVID-19, and more than 250 have died in the line of duty as a result. Join us Friday as we honor their sacrifice during the National Medal of Honor Virtual Vigil hosted by @One_VoiceUnited. fb.me/e/I0yVr4Q2

To say these are difficult times would be an understatement. MCO leaders and staff understand all that’s being asked of corrections officers in this critical moment. Leaders and staff can’t thank you enough for meeting the challenges of this time with professionalism. Stay safe.

MCO has obtained a proclamation from the governor recognizing Correctional Officers Week every year for 40 years. Even when other proclamations were put on hold last year due to the pandemic, we were able to secure this important recognition.

May 2-8 is Correctional Officers Week! Thank you, officers, for keeping prisons and communities safe and secure. As front line staff behind the walls, officers put their personal safety on the line for public safety. We truly believe COs work Michigan’s toughest job.

Join us at the MCO Crisis Fund Golf Outing Sept. 10 near Lansing! The Crisis Fund Golf Outing raises money for MCO members facing catastrophe, like an on-the-job injury, house fire, sudden illness, or other disaster. bit.ly/3e97TRc

Ionia folks: Out of coffee? ☕ Swing by More Purks today to pick up Gun Tower Coffee! It’s $10 a bag and proceeds support the MCO Crisis Fund, which helps members facing a catastrophe. Plus, for a limited time, it's buy one, get one free!

MCO members can get discount tickets to 3 @DetroitPistons games in April. Check out the flyer for details. If you’d like to get tickets, please contact Member Support Specialist Mikaela Bliven at mikaela@mco-seiu.org for the discount code. Enjoy!

We join the Iowa DOC in mourning the loss of these staff members. Please keep their families and coworkers in your thoughts.

Deputy Gatekeeper George Haight died March 27, 1893 after eating tainted food prepared by an inmate at what was then called the Michigan State Penitentiary in Jackson. Haight’s murderer was never charged, possibly because he was already serving a life sentence.

Josephine McCallum was murdered on March 24, 1987 at the former State Prison of Southern Michigan in Jackson. Her body was found in a stairwell. She had worked for the MDOC for only 46 days. It was her first day on a solo assignment.

This week, we remember two Michigan corrections officers who died in the line of duty in March years ago: Officer Josephine McCallum and Gatekeeper George Haight. May all of our fallen rest in peace. mco-seiu.org/our-duty/falle…

REMINDER: Applications for the MCO Scholarship, Academy Assistance, or Student Debt Assistance must be postmarked by April 1. This deadline is earlier than in previous years. mco-seiu.org/college-afford… Good luck!

COs and FSAs have been on the frontlines during this pandemic, risking our lives. We need more staff, medical-grade PPE, and premium pay immediately. If you agree, please send an email to your Michigan state senator and representative now. act.seiu.org/a/tell-your-le…

Congratulations to CO Vij, the finalists, and all facility Officers of the Year! Read about them at mco-seiu.org/2021/02/24/off…

Again this year, MCO is proud to offer four programs to reduce the cost of college for members and their families. 👉MCO Scholarship Program 👉MCO Academy Assistance 👉MCO Student Debt Assistance 👉Free College Info on all programs is at mco-seiu.org/college-afford…

When you buy Gun Tower Coffee, 10% of profits will be donated. Go to guntowercoffee.com, and at checkout, select the option to give to the MCO Crisis Fund. You can also buy Gun Tower Coffee at More Purks in Ionia. Keep your eyes peeled – it may be available near you soon!

Gun Tower Coffee offers a medium and dark roast in 1 lb. bags and 12-cup packets. Because manifesting can be an issue when bringing in coffee, the packaging is clear plastic.

Have you tried Gun Tower Coffee? A retired Michigan corrections officer started this new coffee company with COs in mind. Plus, 10% of net profits go to groups that support COs, like the MCO Crisis Fund!