ODRC Announces 2026 Correction Officer of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media inquiries contact:
JoEllen Smith, [email protected]

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) is pleased to announce that Brittany Booker, correction officer at London Correctional Institution (LoCI), has been named the agency's 2026 Ronald C. Marshall Correction Officer of the Year.

Brittany has served ODRC for over 10 years and is currently working as a front entry officer at LoCI. Brittany is frequently praised for having a "natural gift" for turning stressful situations into comfortable, welcoming encounters. As a front entry officer, she often sets a positive tone for both staff and visitors entering the facility.

Her work has also stopped multiple attempts of prohibited substances from entering LoCI. On multiple occasions, Brittany noticed suspicious behavior by a visitor, which led to the discovery of hundreds of Suboxone strips.

"We could not be more proud of what Brittany has accomplished during her time at the prison," said LoCI warden Brian Baker. "I get comments all the time about people having a welcoming experience coming to London, and a lot of that starts with Officer Booker."

"Not only is Officer Booker a welcoming presence at London Correctional Institution, but she's also one of the driving forces behind contraband interdiction at the facility by being fair, firm and consistent," said ODRC Interim Director Ed Banks. "When you're able to stop these prohibited substances from making it into the prison, you have a safer facility for staff and the incarcerated population."

Each of ODRC's 28 institutions selects a Correction Officer of the Year; these 28 officers are then in the running to be named the agency's top officer and recipient of the prestigious Ronald C. Marshall Correction Officer of the Year.

Ohio first named a correction officer of the year in 1984, and the award was named the Ronald C. Marshall Correction Officer of the Year Award in 1986. It is named in honor of former Warden Ron Marshall, who began as a correction officer and, through his hard work and dedication, advanced through ODRC to become warden. Those selected for the award have demonstrated the same high standards of excellence.