Shining a light on Correctional Officer Week

RAPID CITY, S.D. — It’s a week honoring those looking to help anyone finding themselves in correctional facilities.

It’s a week for Corrections Officers like John Martin.

Martin is a 12-year veteran of the Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center and serves as an example for for the officers as we commemorate many in the area for Correctional Officers Appreciation Week.

A graduate of Black Hills State University, Martin works with kids who have troubled pasts, hoping to leave a lasting impact.

“Just really wanted an opportunity to work with the kids and just try to reach them in some way you know, to help them kinda move forward with their lives and get past whatever they’re going through right now,” Martin said.

He spends 12-hours a day with the kids.

All to help their correct their paths.

“Trying to help them, like I said, move forward,” Martin said.

From helping them further their education to learning from their mistakes while better lives.

But this week isn’t just for the officers. Martins says it’s also a good reminder to the public that they’re not just here to keep order.

“It’s really using corrections week to inform the community that JSC isn’t just here to institutionalize these kids but are really trying to provide services for them,” he said.

The program hoping to help the kids even when they leave.

“When they do go home, they you know, have those tools, they continue to reach out and just kinda get those services additional help them might need,” Martin said.

A week commemorating those looking to continue helping trouble youth.