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| Wyoming Department of Corrections Recognizes Lt. Jessica Cisneros and DawnMarie Pollard as “Best of the Best” |
| By Wyoming Department of Corrections |
| Published: 07/24/2015 |
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Cheyenne – Jessica Cisneros remembers the day she was interviewed to become a Wyoming Corrections Officer. “The day was June 11, 2006. I was in the waiting room, and [one of the officers] told me ‘It’s okay…everything will be all right. Don’t be nervous, it will all work out.’” Nine years later, it truly has worked out for Cisneros, who is now a Lieutenant at the Wyoming Women’s Center (WWC) in Lusk. Earlier this spring she was named Officer of the Year for the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC). Whether she is at work during the day, going to school at night, or running a triathlon on the weekend, DawnMarie Pollard, a senior office support specialist with the WDOC Investigations Unit in Cheyenne, has never been one to rest on her laurels. Her ability to set goals, meet them, and set new ones has certainly paid off. She has been named WDOC’s Employee of the Year. Pollard and Cisneros represent the “best of the best” in the WDOC. They have shown great leadership, ability to role model, and commitment to excellence in the department. WDOC Director Bob Lampert indicated it is always a difficult decision determining who should receive special recognition, considering the number of truly excellent staff throughout the WDOC. “The challenges faced by correctional staff members are tremendous, yet these dedicated professionals continue to make a difference in the lives of others,” he said. “Our staff effectively manages offenders and community risk while giving each offender access to the opportunities to become effective, law-abiding citizens upon their transition back into our communities.” Cisneros joined the Department in June of 2006 as an officer at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp in Newcastle. She promoted to Corporal in February 2008. In September 2009 she transferred to the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution and was promoted to Sergeant less than a year later. On February 2, 2011, she transferred to WWC where she promoted to Lieutenant. Lt. Cisneros is a member of the STG (Security Threat Group) for WWC and the Department. She is a Field Training Officer and is firearms certified. During the past year, she has become a General Instructor and has completed specialized training in Investigations and PREA (the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act). Lt. Cisneros role models her leadership skills by showing concern for not only the staff on her shift but for all staff allowing them to grow in their professional area by being supportive. She holds inmates accountable for their behavior and choices, which in turn generates a safe environment for both staff and inmates. She enforces policy across the board, recognizes the good work of fellow team members, and participates in every Employee Activity Committee event by either donating to the event or joining in the fun. Pollard joined the Department in November of 2010. Her primary duties include tracking case files and incident files, coordinating support for unit projects, assisting with policy implementation, and functioning as a liaison between unit staff and senior management on various issues. In addition, she has become one of the Department’s experts on evidence and has taken an active role in evidence training, auditing, and management of the evidence vault and program. She is an instrumental member and trainer with the Department’s Security Threat Group Committee and is currently directing the testing/implementation of the Department’s Incident and Investigation Tracking Database. She accomplishes her daily duties in an exemplary manner, while still performing above and beyond through her participation and work on committees, teams, development, and training. Pollard is constantly looking for ways to improve her skills. She is majoring in Criminal Justice through the University of Phoenix and has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. She was recently selected for a scholarship from the Wyoming Criminal Justice Association. She is also an active member of the American Correctional Association and has attended various state and national trainings on Interrogation and Gang Investigation. Around the office, Pollard is well known for her focus on physical fitness. She participates in the Department’s Wellness program and maintains a strict physical fitness routine that includes weight lifting, swimming, running and bicycling. She has competed in numerous Triathlons and Half Marathons, including several charity activities such as Race for the Cure and the Texas 400 Ride for Cancer. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Weight Loss Specialist and has assisted Department employees and community members develop personal training/nutrition plans and goals. “DawnMarie is a role model at work and in her personal life,” said WDOC Investigations Major Bill Moore. “She doesn’t just talk; she walks and leads the way demonstrating leadership qualities, peer support and dedication to the Department every day. She is dedicated to her work, her peers, the mission of the Department, and the community at large.” Pollard and Cisneros were chosen from the 13 staff members who had been previously selected as employees or officers of the year by their respective correctional facility or field region:
All 15 staff members were celebrated for their accomplishments at an Exemplary Employee Luncheon earlier this year in Cheyenne as part of Wyoming Correctional Professionals Week. Secretary of State Ed Murray attended the luncheon and was the guest speaker. He thanked all WDOC employees for their dedicated hard work and commitment to the WDOC and to the citizens of Wyoming. |
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