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Correction Officer's Prayer
Lord I ask for the courage; Courage to face and conquer my own fears...
Courage to take me; Where others will not go...
I ask for the strength; Strength of body to protect; Others... And strength of spirit to lead; Others...
I ask for the dedication; Dedication to my job; To do it well...
Dedication to my community; To keep it safe...
Give me Lord; Concern for others who trust me... And compassion for those who need me...
And Please Lord; Through it all; Be At My Side...
The Correctional Officer's Oath of Allegiance
I do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the duties of a Correctional Officer of the State of TEXAS. Public Safety is my primary responsibility and I am bound by duty to protect others and promote positive change in offender behavior. Through Strength and Honor I will not be corrupted, I will not be manipulated, I will not be distracted from the mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.Furthermore, I solemnly swear that I will adhere to the laws of the State of Texas and this agency's Code of Ethics as I enforce the rules and regulations of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice So help me GOD!
"The Missing Officer's Table"
Set for one, the empty place represents Correctional Staff who have given their lives in the line of duty defending society while maintaining incarcerated felons.
The meaning of the items on this table:
The Table is Round: to show our everlasting concern for our missing loved ones.
The Table Cloth is white: symbolizing the purity of there motives while answering the call of duty.
The Sword: symbolizes honor
A single Red Rose: displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of theses missing loved ones, and friends of theses correctional staff who keep the faith.
The vase and yellow ribbon: The vase is tied with a yellow ribbon, a symbol of our continued determination to remember and "Take Care Of Our Own"
A slice of lemon: Reminds us of the bitter fate of those killed and or crippled while protecting society.
A pinch of salt: symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and threre families who seek answers.
The Bible: represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those of us that continue on.
The glass inverted: symbolizes their inability to share this day's toast.
The chair is empty: they are missing.