Shouse legacy coming to a close at Putnamville
PUTNAMVILLE -- Putnamville Correctional Facility Superintendent Stanley Knight wishes to congratulate Michael Shouse on his well-deserved retirement.
Shouse is leaving the state with 43 years of service, and with the support of his wife, they are ready to embark upon new journeys.
Mike Shouse started his career with the State of Indiana on Feb. 2, 1971, when he was hired as a correctional officer at the Putnamville Correctional Facility.
"I never looked at it as a paycheck, although, I did appreciate it," Shouse said.
Over the years, he has worked such posts as the offender work lines, dorm officer and transport officer at Putnamville. In addition, Shouse has been involved in firearms instruction, escape and apprehension and various emergency squads.
In 1978, he was one of the first officers given the task of trainer to the correctional staff at the facility. Since the '80s, he has worked in the capacity of sergeant, K-9 officer, counselor and finally the training officer nicknamed "Bahookie!"
Since 1955, there has been a Shouse working at Putnamville at all times, including Mike's dad, Captain Tommy Shouse. With 21 relatives working in the IDOC over the years, Shouse will be sorely missed by his second family at the facility.
At the same time his wife, Patty, is also leaving the field after 23 combined years working for the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) and contractual agencies of the IDOC.
"Working as a team, that is why we are so successful," Shouse said.
He plans to keep in contact with many friends and coworkers that he has here at the facility. He received several heartfelt goodbyes at his ceremony from many, including officers, fellow trainers, and central office staff.
"Mike Shouse was a well known asset throughout the Department of Correction and as a wonderful employee and family member to those employed at Putnamville, we will be sad to see him go," Knight said.