WHEREAS, National Correctional Officers Week was first proclaimed on May 5, 1984 to recognize the men and women who work in jails, prisons, and community corrections across the country; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers are highly trained professionals responsible for supervising inmates in local, state, and regional correctional facilities across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers demonstrate dedication to their profession by not only promoting public safety, but also fostering positive outcomes through their assistance with inmate treatment and rehabilitation programs which contribute to the improved success of inmates upon their release into the community; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers make meaningful contributions to statewide reentry and recidivism reduction initiatives and are vital in preparing inmates for successful reintegration into their communities after release; and

WHEREAS, correctional officers strive to maintain a safe working and living environment in correctional facilities throughout the Commonwealth, often in the face of significant challenges and dangers; and

WHEREAS, Correctional Officers Week offers an opportunity to acknowledge and honor Virginia’s correctional officers for the vital contributions and sacrifices they make each day to protect the citizens of our great Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia honors the life and legacy of Virginia Department of Corrections Master Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in the line of duty on November 17, 2025, at River North Correctional Center; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 4-9, 2026, as CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.