THOMASVILLE — A Thomas County Prison correctional officer who spent 22 years putting people in jail decided to view the penal system from a different angle.

Albert Manning retired 22 years ago as a U.S. Army military police officer. For the past 14 years, he has worked at the local prison and today supervises all shifts.

In recent days, Manning received recognition from the chief of Georgia corrections — Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner James Donald.

The coin Donald presented to Manning is in recognition of integrity on the job and maintaining ethical stands as a correctional officer.

Presentation of the coin has been rare in Donald’s administration, said Bobby Geer, acting prison warden, who nominated Manning for the recognition.

“They are coveted,” Geer explained. “It means you’re doing something right.”

Donald retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of major general. Geer said presentation of coins is a military tradition. Generals give coins for services rendered, he added.

Pointing out the tradition, Donald said the Commissioner’s Coin for Excellence signifies high esteem and good work.

“He’s an outstanding officer with your CI (correctional institute),” Donald told the Times-Enterprise.

Donald toured Thomas County Prison last week. The commissioner, retired two-star general, said military-style discipline is mandatory at Georgia corrections facilities.

Manning must have the coin in his possession at all times while on the job. “The tradition is you’re making that performance,” the officer explained.

Manning, 55, a Quitman resident, and his wife, Julia, have been married 36 years. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

Manning, a graduate of Washington Street High School in Quitman, attended college for a year while in the military. He is a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Quitman.

The corrections officer does not take the coin lightly.

“It’s an honor,” he said. “It gives me the courage.”

Manning will strive for goals that will make him better.

“I was recognized as one of the best of the best,” he explained.



Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.