Lizzie’s Legacy
Marion County Jail II salutes one of the facility’s finest
You might be surprised to know that one of the most beloved, trusted and admired employees at Marion County Jail II (MCJII) stands only two feet tall and has never spoken a word - but colleagues have no shortage of words to express what she means to them.
Lizzie - a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Belgian Malinois - has served as narcotics K-9 at MCJII since August 2004. But she was recently diagnosed with an eye disease that eventually leads to total blindness, which means she’ll soon be relieved of her duties and put to sleep.
“It will be very difficult and emotional to lose an employee as valued as Lizzie and we will all feel the loss when she is no longer with us,” says Michelle Ryder, assistant warden and public information officer at MCJII. “Lizzie’s legacy at MCJII will never die.”
Throughout the jail, Lizzie is recognized as a four-footed fellow corrections professional.
“I’ve always considered her one of my staff and a valuable team member,” says Jeff Conway, warden at MCJII.
In fact, because of her loyalty and diligence in fulfilling her daily duties, Lizzie was once nominated for facility Employee of the Month. And her professional achievements go beyond her work within jail walls; she’s also left an imprint on the community by assisting Marion County government agencies with drug searches, and bringing MCJII attention and respect in the process.
But skillfully sniffing out illegal substances is only part of her success; she’s also succeeded at winning the hearts of the entire staff.
“I have had the great honor and opportunity to be Lizzie’s handler,” says Julien Roffey, sergeant at MCJII. “She is a professional, a colleague and my best friend.”
It’s certain that Lizzie will be remembered and cherished as one of the most capable, dedicated, hard-working staff members ever to serve at MCJII.
“Lizzie has given us her trust and undying love in return for regular meals and an occasional pat on the head,” says Richard Bettegnies, STG coordinator at MCJII. “We owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion.”
By Michelle Ryder and DeAndra Mack