The message was echoed again and again by each person who spoke during a special ceremony outside the Berks County Jail Friday afternoon.
Working in a correctional facility is a tough job for good reason — it combines high physical risk, constant mental strain and challenging work conditions. And many times that work is not recognized or appreciated by the community.
Warden Jeffrey Smith told the crowd gathered at the event that correctional officers and employees often undertake thankless roles, and their work seldom gets the acknowledgment it truly deserves.
Warden Jeffery R. Smith recites the names of local deceased correctional employees as Chaplain Merle Smucker sounds a bell during a Berks County Jail System National Correctional Officers and Employees Week Memorial Service at the jail in Bern Township on Friday, May 8, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
But that was not the case Friday afternoon.
“The public may not always see or appreciate the incredible work that you do,” he said. “Yet, your dedication and resilience are essential in accomplishing our mission. You are the heart and soul of this institution.”
Smith spoke during the ceremony to recognize county jail employees as part of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.
The week is designed to honor and praise those who work to ensure the safety and security of our communities. The tradition goes back to 1984, when President Ronald Regan set aside the first full week of May to celebrate.
Smith, speaking on his last day as warden before making the move to Lehigh County Jail, said the mission of those who work at correctional facilities extends far beyond the wall of jails and prisons.
“Everyday we contribute to the well-being of our community by ensuring a safe environment for our staff and inmates alike,” he said. “We are more than just a jail — we are a vital part of the fabric of our society.
“We focus on rehabilitation, understanding and the humane treatment of individuals striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those around them.”
Two of the individuals dedicated to that mission at Berks County Jail were asked by Smith to share some of their thoughts about working in a correctional facility.
Treatment counselor Lindsey Flaharty said the people she works with are dedicated, loyal and hard working.
“We believe in the work that’s being done here and there is a sense inside all of us that we want to be a part of what’s going on,” she said. “While we all come from different backgrounds and different mindsets, we function as a team to make things run smoothly.”
Correctional Officer Eric Bohem said the reality is that most people will never see the constant vigilance needed to work behind the walls of correctional facilities.
Correctional Officer Eric Bohem delivers a message from the front line as Warden Jeffrey R. Smith looks on during a Berks County Jail System National Correctional Officers and Employees Week Memorial Service at the jail in Bern Township on Friday, May 8, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
“They will never see the patience it takes to manage conflict, the discipline required to maintain order or the compassion it takes to treat every individual with respect and dignity even in the most difficult circumstances,” he said.
Bohem said each day his coworkers make the decision to walk into a place where tensions run high and unpredictability is part of the job. But they show up because they understand the importance of their responsibilities.
He said what the team at the facility does goes beyond the care, custody and control of those housed there. The people who work there are the facilitators of rehabilitation and the manufacturers of second chances.
The Berks County Jail Honor Guard delivers a 21-gun salute during a Berks County Jail System National Correctional Officers and Employees Week Memorial Service at the jail in Bern Township on Friday, May 8, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
“Your work matters,” he said.
Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni Jr. also spoke during the ceremony, commending those at the service for upholding responsibilities that many who never step foot inside a correctional facility may never fully understand.
“As you all know — better than I — working within the correctional system is not an easy calling,” he said. “It requires strength, patience, discipline and compassion often all at the same time”
As part of the ceremony, the administrative team at the jail held a memorial service to honor their fallen brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“This solemn occasion reminded us of the inherent risks associated with our profession and the importance of supporting one another,” Smith said.
Bagpiper Roderick Levin leads the honor guard recessional during a Berks County Jail System National Correctional Officers and Employees Week Memorial Service at the jail in Bern Township on Friday, May 8, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
They also took the time to recognize the exceptional performance of employees through the presentation of Employee of the Year awards.
“These awards highlight the hard work, dedication and outstanding contributions made by our staff,” Smith said. “Each honoree embodies the core values of our institution and serves as an inspiration to their peers.”
The following employees were recognized:
• Correctional Officers Charles Slobodzian, Daniel Wegman and Michael Keiser received Custody Employee of the Year Awards.
• Lt. Brandon Nemeth was awarded the Supervisor of the Year Award.
• Treatment counselor Steven Morris was given the Treatment Employee of the Year Award.
• Retired correctional Officer Catherine Martin was awarded the Support Employee of the Year Award.