OZ TO WARDEN

In an elementary school play, I was the wizard in The Wizard of Oz.?I recall saying in a trembling voice, “I am Oz, the Great and Terrible.”?Never did I imagine that someday I would be warden of the most secure federal prison – the “Alcatraz of the Rockies” in Colorado.

There were many inspiring life lessons provided at such a young age.?As Oz I stated, “I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed.”?

Friends on the Yellow Brick Road (the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy) were projections of typical childhood fears.?I learned much from their journey.?In time, others helped me navigate high school, college, and eventually a career in corrections. ?

Additional lessons were provided by upbringing and education to influence my moral compass -- the natural feeling that makes people know what is right and wrong and how they should behave. ?Many role models in NJ and TX state prison systems were good examples and worthy of imitation. ?They prepared me for work in federal prisons.

Working for several wardens and prison directors prepared me for leadership positions --- mostly the warden’s job. ?I made plenty of mistakes as a new warden. ?I thought like Oz at times --- thinking “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!?The greatest Oz has spoken.” ?Obviously, I eventually learned to lead in a more appropriate manner and was more accountable.??

In today’s corrections, accountability is critical to survive.?It means solving your own problems, fixing your mistakes, and fully owning the things that happen in your life. ?Most correctional professionals are outstanding, caring people.?They own up to their mistakes and lead by example.?Unfortunately, some abuse the power of their position.????

The abuse of power that seems to create the most unhappiness is when a person uses personal power to get ahead without regards to the welfare of others. ?Examples:?Leaders who resign during an investigation to avoid accountability.?Others simply move to another correctional system to avoid sustained misconduct or legal action.?Some expect “Second Chances” for potential illegal activities.?If corrections as a profession plans to move forward, all staff need to be held accountable for their actions.?

Life will examine us continually to see if we have understood and have practiced what we were taught in the early days of school.?The days of Oz, for me, will always be remembered. ?I still have my moral compass.