Former Putnamville chief to remain DOC commissioner

Friday, January 11, 2013
Bruce Lemmon

INDIANAPOLIS -- The man who ran Putnamville Correctional Facility for two years will remain the commissioner of the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) in the administration of Gov.-elect Mike Pence.

Pence announced a number of appointments in his administration Thursday, including keeping Bruce Lemmon as DOC commissioner.

Lemmon was originally appointed DOC commissioner in January 2011 by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Under Lemmon's leadership, the DOC has focused on helping offenders be successful upon their release.

"Commissioner Lemmon has an outstanding record of service and under his leadership the state has a seen a reduction in the recidivism rate. I look forward to working with him to continue that progress," Pence said.

Prior to his current role, Lemmon had served as the superintendent at Putnamville since 2008.

While in his post as superintendent, he made many improvements to the facility, such as doubling the size of both the CLIFF Unit and the PLUS Unit, initiating a recycling program and establishing the Park and Furniture Program, Farm Fresh Dinner and the Inmate to Work Mate Program.

Lemmon also increased the number of jobs for the offender population during his tenure at Putnamville.

During his 36-year career, Lemmon has served in a variety of capacities within DOC, including supervisor of work release services, assistant superintendent of the Indiana Girls School, regional director of adult operations, superintendent of the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility and deputy commissioner.

He also twice served as interim DOC commissioner.

The Clay County resident previously served in the United States Army and is a graduate of Indiana State University.

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