As many of you know, I started visiting Shawn recently....and as I stated in my post in H & B, the guards were as polite and decent as you'd ever want them to be.

At first, I thought, maybe it's because I'm new...or maybe they're trying to feel me out, see if I'll be someone they have to keep their eyes on. What better way to do so than to "play nice", right? Well, after four visits in ten days, I can honestly say their treatment of both Shawn and myself has gotten even better...and I pray things stay this good!

After a fair amount of thought, I've decided to write a letter to the warden at Larned, letting her know how much I appreciate the staff's efforts. I'm putting a copy of the letter at the bottom here, and would like to hear others' thoughts and suggestions. I'm sure the KDOC employees don't get many compliments, but as someone who was expecting visitation to be an absolute nightmare, I can't begin to tell you all how impressed I am with the two C/Os who have worked every visit thus far.

All honest opinions are welcome!

_____________________________________________


Monday, July 5, 2004

Dear Ms. Rohling,

I’d like to take a moment to express my appreciation for the considerate and professional manner exhibited by your staff over the course of the past ten days.

I am the fianceé of inmate Shawn Sands, #65515. As you may or may not know, I purchased a home in St. John recently, and have been settling in gradually after an arduous 2,000 mile move from Rhode Island during the first week of June.
I was extremely nervous about visiting Mr. Sands, having had no prior experience with the prison system whatsoever….and was not completely sure what to expect in regards to KDOC policy and procedures. I know Mr. Sands has been far from a model inmate in years past, but would like to believe that his behavior has changed for the better during his present placement. Still, I had no clue as to how, or even if, his history within the facility would affect the treatment I was to be accorded.

You’ll forgive me for not knowing their official rank, but C/O Shaefer (sp) and C/O Hitz have displayed both impressive attitude and courteous demeanor in the execution of their duties. Friendly, respectful, and efficient, they helped make what could have been a very stressful situation into a most pleasant meeting for Mr. Sands and myself. Since then, I’ve had three more visits with Mr. Sands, each one better than the last…C/O Shaefer and C/O Hitz have been on duty for every one of those visits. Their decency has, no doubt, been a contributing factor to such a positive outcome.

Again, my sincere thanks to you and your staff.

Respectfully,
Suzanne E. Gervais



cc: Bill Cummings, Topeka
_________________________________

Just wanted to say that your letter was beautifully written. I agree that it's important to acknowledge those C/O's that have made our visits that much more pleasant. I am also one of those lucky people that get to enjoy visits even more because of the great staff at the fire camp.

Well written

GREAT letter! I sent one along the same lines when Charlie was inside. I've found that letters like that are good for officer morale all around, not just the CO's you are "praising", it seems to make them ALL a little bit more "considerate" - maybe they're all just hoping to get one in their file - but whatever the reason, YOU may just make someone else's "life" easier with another CO because of your letter.

i think its a great letter. its so easy to write a letter when something goes WRONG, but you went the extra step and wrote one when things were GOOD!

very very nice!

that was a well written letter. I too am lucky to have good visits, the staff are always nice and helpful to me (they even smile occassionally). I may follow your example.:)

You know, we hear and speak so much about the negativity inside...the bad food, the guards with attitude, the abuse of our loved ones' rights. So, I think it's important (and only fair!) to shed light on the good when we come across it.

The Warden at Larned was very decent with Shawn when he got there in March (despite his not-so-good behavior during previous "tours of duty"); I felt it was a good idea to let her know I appreciate that her staff went the extra mile to make our visits pleasant and stress-free.

Now if only the others (Security, Mental Health, Unit Team) were so reasonable! Ha!

Susan--very nice letter! Hopefully they will put copies of that letter into the CO's files so that when their performance evaluation comes up during the year it will reflect favorably!

I am so glad that you are going to visit him as much as possible. It has to make him feel good and help his morale! Tell Shawn we are still rooting for him to get contact visits. Keep up the good work! :)

Thank you, Patty....I'm glad he and I can visit so much, too! And I'll tell him that you're waiting to post a countdown to that first kiss :D

MWAH!!! LOL!

Susan

Of course your letter is well written, as usual. :) I also think it's a good thing to let this warden know her staff is polite and efficient. As a human being, she, like anybody else, prefers getting that kind of letters rather than complaints on top of complaints, so she will probably keep on training her staff to be friendly and courteous. (sp?)

Keep on enjoying your visits.
Phil

Wonderful letter.

One little suggestion... change Mr Sands to Shawn. They can call him Mr. Sands because of the "proffessional" nature of their jobs. But for you to call him Mr. Sands... just doesn't ring right. It's not personal, and you have a very personal relationship with Shawn.

Fellah wants me to use his first name when ever I send letters to the DOC. (something they never do)

That's my 2 cents.

JJT

Susan -- yes, please start a count down! Let me know what Shawn says! ;)

Beautiful letter Susan,
You've probably mailed it off by now.
I'm sure it will put some smiles on the faces of the people at Larned, it did mine!

Aloha,

Lisa

Awww..ty Lisa ;)

Yes, I mailed it off earlier in the week; they've probably received it by now. It only takes a day for a letter mailed in this town to reach Larned. I'm glad you're smiling....that makes ME happy.

Barb, I agree with your suggestion, but had already sent it out by the time I read your reply....but I will definitely keep that in mind for next time!

Susan, is that you in your avatar? If it is, I love the hair! ;)

'tis me...I spent all afternoon taking pics, because he was griping that he hasn't had a new one in a while!

And....thank you ;)

Great letter, Sue!

Dang you have gotten SOOOOO lucky with these people... a number of them that are that nice and go out of their way to do nice things, that is just NOT the status quo.... lucky you!!!

I am late as usual, but I just wanted to say that I think that you writing that letter (and a wonderful letter at that!) was/is a great idea! Like someone else said, I am sure they get plenty of "bad" letters, so a good one will be like a breath of fresh air!
Great job!!!

I am late as usual, just wanted to say I thought it was a great letter. It should definitely boost their morale.

Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

Wonderful letter, well written.

Patti