The MDOC Honor Guard has accepted nine new members into its ranks.

New members include:

Sergeant William Allen, Parnall Correctional Facility, has been with State service since 1994.

Corrections Transportation Officer Scott Busse has been with the Department 11 years and currently works out of the CFA Region II Transportation Office in Ionia.

Parole/Probation Officer Shannon Dobbins-Seckler works in the Allegan County Parole Office and has been with the Department since 2001.

Corrections Officer Kirk Downs, Pugsley Correctional Facility, has been with the Department since September 2000.

Resident Unit Officer Patrick Lay has been with the Department since October 1997 and works at Marquette Branch Prison.

Corrections Officer Mark Rankin works at Alger Maximum Correctional Facility and has been with the Department for 10 years.

Corrections Officer Rick Rowe, Oaks Correctional Facility, has been with the Department since January 2005.

Corrections Officer Luther Suarez, Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility, has been with the Department since February 2001.

Corrections Officer Tammy Trejo-Woodley, Saginaw Correctional Facility, has been with the MDOC since July 2001.

Members make a two-year commitment to the Honor Guard which consists of 32 department staff. Their commitment includes six drill practices per year, ceremonies, parades, special events and department-related funeral details. The guard may be called at any time to volunteer for duty and each member is obligated to uphold the Mission and Vision of the Department as well as the Honor Guard acting professionally both on and off duty.

Selection decisions are based on the overall quality of the candidate, their personal and professional level of commitment, and their ability to represent the Department in the most positive manner possible.

"Because of the dedication and historically low turnover rate within the Honor Guard, interviews occur only every few years," said Sonia Warchock, Honor Guard Commander. "The Honor Guard is proud to welcome these new members who will represent the Michigan Department of Corrections and serve with the highest degree of professionalism and distinction."

Michigan Department of Corrections FYI 030206