2026 Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Service Awards

The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department recognized outstanding employees, teams and facilities through its 2026 Annual Service Awards. The awards celebrate exceptional performance, dedication, leadership, accountability, teamwork and service to the Department and community. Recipients were selected from nominations submitted by their peers and colleagues throughout MDCR.

Director’s Excellence Award – Lt. Dion Butler, Security and Internal Affairs Bureau
The Department’s highest honor recognizes sustained contributions that significantly advance MDCR’s mission, strategic priorities, culture and reputation. Lt. Butler was recognized for his exceptional leadership, professionalism and lasting impact on departmental operations and organizational excellence.

Correctional Officer of the Year – Lt. Jermaine Lawson, Pre-Trial Detention Center
This award recognizes a sworn officer who exemplifies excellence in safety, security, professionalism and service. Lt. Lawson was honored for his leadership, sound judgment, operational readiness and commitment to maintaining a safe and secure correctional environment for staff and the inmate population at the Pre-Trial Detention Center.

Distinguished Service Award – Procurement Manager Alessandra Linares, Administration/Procurement Unit
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes sustained dedication, professionalism and exceptional service that exceeds normal expectations. Linares was recognized for her dependability, initiative, integrity and meaningful contributions to departmental operations and service delivery.

Civilian Employee of the Year – Administrative Officer 3 Veronica Santiago, Community Services/Employee Wellness Unit
This award recognizes a civilian employee whose exceptional performance and dedication significantly support MDCR’s mission. Santiago was honored for her professionalism, reliability, initiative and contributions to employee support and departmental success.

Accountability Champion of the Year – Correctional Officer John Gomez, Hospital Services Unit/Special Operations Bureau
The Accountability Champion of the Year award recognizes an employee who exemplifies integrity, ownership, transparency and responsibility. Ofc. Gomez was recognized for his reliability, sound decision-making, commitment to professional standards and positive influence on a culture of accountability.

Life-Saving Award – Correctional Corporal Milo Mahomes Jr., Pre-Trial Detention Center
The Life-Saving Award honors extraordinary actions during a life-threatening emergency that contribute to saving or preserving human life. Cpl. Mahomes Jr. was recognized for his courage, decisive action, composure and application of lifesaving skills in a critical situation.

Community Outreach Officer of the Year – Correctional Officer Trisa-Ann Lee, Metro-West Detention Center
The Community Outreach Officer of the Year Award recognizes a sworn officer who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to community engagement, public service and building positive relationships between MDCR and the community. Ofc. Lee was recognized for her dedication to connecting with residents, supporting community initiatives and representing the Department with professionalism, compassion and a commitment to service. Her efforts help strengthen community trust and promote a positive understanding of MDCR’s role and mission.

Unit of the Year – Transportation Unit, Special Operations Bureau
The Unit of the Year Award recognizes a team that achieves exceptional results through collaboration, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving. The Transportation Unit was honored for its collective commitment to operational excellence and professionalism and for successfully carrying out a critical component of the Department’s mission.

Facility of the Year – Metro-West Detention Center
The Facility of the Year Award recognizes a correctional facility that demonstrates excellence in safety, security, operations, innovation, employee engagement and organizational performance. Metro-West Detention Center was recognized for its facility-wide commitment to accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement and the advancement of the Department’s mission.

View photos of the presentation.