INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana National Guard and Indiana Department of Correction began working together April 17, to provide additional support for security operations at the Pendleton Correctional Facility in Pendleton, Indiana.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pendleton Correctional Facility needed to realign their staff. Nearly 100 soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment from Hartford City, Indiana, answered the call for support by performing gate and exterior roving security patrols across the facility as well as mission analysis, planning and coordination.
Training for the 1-293rd kicked off Friday with IDOC personnel providing lecture-style instructions on policy and processes before taking soldiers on a tour of the facility and conducting on-the-job training. By Saturday, soldiers provided 24-hour security operations to allow IDOC to realign their staffing for other duties.
All IDOC personnel and National Guard members performed their perspective missions while wearing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing to ensure the safety of all faculty and offenders.
Safety of all parties involved during the COVID-19 response was priority across every level of Hoosier leadership.
Sgt. 1st Class James Moore, acting first sergeant of Company A, 1-293rd, spoke to the importance of leading by example and demonstrating safety standards at all times.
“It makes it easier for them to wear it if they never see me without it,” said Moore.
The COVID-19 pandemic allowed National Guard soldiers to demonstrate their capabilities and mission-readiness while assisting organizations and agencies across the state. Maintaining training throughout the year allowed quick reaction times of the military assets once activated by the governor.
“I’m truly honored,” said Jefferey Wolf, training coordinator for IR Correctional Industrial Facility. “It has been a great learning experience to work alongside the Indiana National Guard.”
Both agencies expressed mutual appreciation for the ability to enhance capabilities while serving and protecting one other and the community.
“They are absolutely fantastic,” said Cpt. Travis E. Christman, Company A, 1-293rd, commander of the correctional facility staff. “They are professional, and their job is more intense than what we [are doing].”
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Date Taken: | 04.17.2020 |
Date Posted: | 04.25.2020 07:50 |
Story ID: | 368403 |
Location: | PENDLETON, INDIANA, US |
Web Views: | 155 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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