Governor Bill Lee Visits Northwest Correctional Complex

TIPTONVILLE – Earlier today Governor Bill Lee visited a Tennessee Department of Correction facility to speak with staff and tour the vocational programs offered for incarcerated individuals.  This follows the Governor’s announcement earlier this week regarding increased access to educational opportunities within correctional facilities to enable incarcerated individuals to gain the skills need for re-entry.

The visit took place at the Northwest Correctional Complex where Commissioner Tony Parker, Warden Shawn Phillips, Senator Ed Jackson, Representative Bill Sanderson, Lake County Mayor Denny Johnson, Tiptonville Mayor Cliff Berry and the entire prison staff welcomed Governor Bill Lee to the facility in Tiptonville, Tennessee.

Governor Lee kicked off his visit with an inspirational address to the staff detailing his vision for criminal justice and successful reentry and their role in bringing that vision to life.  Governor Lee shared with the group, “We have heard about this place and all the good things you are doing, which are some of the things we want to do across the state.  Especially what you are doing in the educational programs which makes re-entry easier.” Lee later added, “What you are doing here sets an example and I wanted to come see it.  I am proud of the work you do.”  The Governor later toured the vocational welding and automotive classes and spoke to offenders enrolled in the program.

According to Commissioner Parker, “I’m proud of the work we do here.  Whatever the job is, it takes all of us to make our mission happen.  Today’s visit from the Governor means so much to the staff and inmates here.  I see the great work the men and women of this department do every day.” 

To see photos from Governor Lee’s visit, please visit: https://bit.ly/2tHrj7E .