Lorena Guzman Receives First-Time Honor from USMS

Correctional officer at Central Arizona Detention Center wins praise from CCA partner

Combine an outstanding work ethic with professionalism, a service-oriented attitude and a passion for corrections, and you have a recipe for a job well done – and several reasons why Lorena Guzman, correctional officer at Central Arizona Detention Center, was named the first-ever Arizona USMS Contract Employee of the Year.

“I’m honored that the USMS recognized me and the work I do here,” Guzman says. “Being able to represent CCA really means a great deal to me.”

Guzman joined CCA in 2001 as a correctional officer at Florence Correctional Center. She later transferred to Central Arizona Detention Center and currently serves as a CCA liaison at the USMS office in Tuscon, Ariz. Guzman received a commemorative plaque at the USMS awards ceremony held in September.

“Lorena’s value to the facility and company are immeasurable,” says Chuck Keeton, warden at Central Arizona. “She is counted on daily to produce a body of work that is instrumental to the flow of information between our facility and the USMS staff in Tucson.”

Guzman’s work also helps the USMS determine the placement of inmates and court scheduling. Ray Kondo, USMS assistant chief deputy, recognized Guzman’s exceptional commitment to her daily duties and nominated her for the award.

“Lorena has proven to be the most efficient and reliable contract employee in the Tucson office,” Kondo says. “She quietly and efficiently accomplishes the mission and still finds time to assist others. Lorena is the first to volunteer to assume new responsibilities and does so with a quiet unassuming demeanor.”

Guzman is eager to keep up the good work.

“It’s a privilege to continue serving in this capacity,” Guzman says. “The employees I work with at the USMS office make me feel like part of their family.”

By DeAndra Mack

Sound Out

tatiana murrieta at Central Arizona Detention Center:

Lorena and I have been friends since her transfer to CADC in 2002. My children and I are blessed to have her in our lives. I am very proud of her accomplishments! YOU GO GIRL!

Daniel Mendoza at Eloy Detention Center:

What an honor!! Great job Lorena....you represent what so many of us strive for and that is Professionalism 101+ !!!

SCO Klubek at Leavenworth Detention Center:

Great Job, Guzman, you want to move to Leavenworth?