Motivated to Make a Difference: Marty Fleischacker
A closer look at CCA’s 2009 Employee of the Year
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Marty Fleischacker, principal at Crowley County Correctional Facility
Dynamic, meticulous, compassionate, dedicated.
These are just a few words that aptly describe Marty Fleischacker, principal at Crowley County Correctional Facility. They’re also a few of the reasons why he was selected as CCA’s 2009 Employee of the Year.
“I value what I do everyday,” Fleischacker says. “My profession is my passion; my passion is education. My desire is to enhance the availability of education and make people aware of what they can do to move their lives forward.”
Fleischacker actively looks for innovative ways to enrich others’ lives.
“When money became tight at our facility, Marty suggested we go to our own greenhouse, pick out a tree suitable for replanting to provide to staff grieving a lost family member,” says Dick Smelser, warden at Crowley, who nominated Fleischacker. “He provides these trees to our chaplain to deliver to the employee’s family to plant in the loved one’s memory. Marty personally makes sure the plant has the appropriate pot and ribbons with a condolence card from the warden and staff.”
But that’s just one way Fleischacker lends a helping hand.
“Marty personally leads tours for our visitors, extolling the virtues of Crowley's vocational and academic programs like no one else can,” Smelser says. “This area of our facility is consistently noted in audits for its excellence in both appearance and content. Most of our instructors seem to have a passion for their job, primarily because of Marty's influence.”
Fleischacker displays the same vigor in the community as he does on the job.
“In 2008 and 2009, Marty was instrumental in our facility’s ‘adoption’ of the Crowley County Nursing Center,” says Smelser. “With the support of our Habitat for Humanity Prison Partnership as part of our programs department, we have provided beautiful, functional furnishings for each resident’s room as well as inmate-produced artwork and other enhancements.”
Fleischacker remains committed to making the most of each day – and these are only a few of the ways he does it.
“I cannot think of a time that I have left the facility thinking that I didn't somehow make a difference in the life of an inmate, a co-worker or myself,” Fleischacker says. “I’m grateful for the support of the warden and all the executive team that make CCCF a great place to work.”
To read more about Fleischacker, check out the January 2010 issue of Correct Perspectives.
If you would like to share fond memories of Fleischacker or congratulatory remarks, please do so by sounding out.
By DeAndra Mack