Lycoming County commissioners read a proclamation at their May 8 meeting declaring the week in May 2025 as Corrections Employees Week and recognized prison staff for their work keeping the facility secure and for providing medical and treatment services to inmates.

County officials said the proclamation — which the read text linked to a 1984 presidential proclamation recognizing corrections personnel — was intended to highlight the range of duties performed by corrections employees beyond custody and security. A prison representative told the commissioners, “Safety is our primary focus,” and described maintenance, medical, food service, treatment, administrative staff and outside volunteers as part of the operation.

The prison representative said the jail provides 24‑hour medical care and that staff have increased training in mental‑health response, including “mental health first aid.” The representative added the facility now has two full‑time mental‑health professionals who provide services to inmates and support reentry into the community.

Commissioners and the prison representative also noted the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous nature of corrections work and said many staff perform regular duties on top of training and on‑call responsibilities. The county arranged recognition meals for staff and acknowledged employees during the public meeting.

During the same agenda period the commissioners recognized a corrections supervisor for 30 years of county service. The honoree, Eric Fortin, spoke briefly and thanked coworkers and family; several colleagues and elected officials praised his longevity and work with juvenile and adult supervision programs.

Public comment at the meeting included questions about the county’s juvenile holding facility; commissioners said they are reviewing options, including cost and feasibility, and that no firm plan has been adopted.

The proclamation was entered into the meeting record and accepted by the commissioners; no roll‑call vote was recorded in the meeting transcript for the proclamation itself.