Florida Department of Corrections Banner, Secretary Mark S. Inch


PRESS RELEASE

June 13, 2022
 

FDC Inducts First Member to Agency Hall of Fame

Agency Awards

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is proud to announce the creation of the FDC Hall of Fame to honor and recognize former employees, who impacted the agency in lasting and positive ways.

“FDC has a rich history, full of heroes and pioneers who deserve our admiration, recognition and most importantly our remembrance,” said Secretary Ricky Dixon. “Creating the FDC Hall of Fame allows us to formally recognize these men and women whose legacy will forever impact our agency. I believe we are the generation to capture our history, to not only grow and learn, but honor our member’s service and dedication.”

The first induction to the FDC Hall of Fame was the late Secretary Louie L. Wainwright Sr., who served 25 years as the agency’s Secretary. He joined the department in 1952, following his service in the US. Navy where he served in World War II. Secretary Wainwright was acknowledged for his legacy and significance in field of corrections.

As the nation’s longest serving corrections Secretary, Wainwright was a pioneer in the corrections field. In Florida, he established inmate education and job training and was a driving force for transparency. His soft-spoken demeaner, quiet confidence and behind-the-scenes leadership style drove the shift in corrections philosophy.

Some of Wainwright's professional accomplishments include:


  • 1976; received the American Correctional Associations highest tribute the E.R. Cass award for outstanding service.
  • 1976; presented the Florida Sheriff’s Association Distinguished Service Award for “Contributing to the advancement of better law enforcement.”
  • 1984; Under Secretary Wainwright’s leadership Florida became the first correctional agency in the nation to be fully accredited.
  • 1986; Accreditation Achievement Award from the Commission of Accreditation for Corrections for his efforts in support of accreditation in Florida and nationwide.
  • Credited with being a conduit for US Supreme Court cases guaranteeing the right of legal counsel to anyone accused of a crime (Gideon vs. Wainwright) and in the rule prohibiting the execution of the insane (Ford vs. Wainwright).
  • 2001; Appointed to Corrections Foundation Board (re-appointed as President for consecutive terms).
  • 2021; Following his passing, Corrections Foundation creates the Louie L. Wainwright Scholarship for FDC staff who are enrolled in college and seeking a certification or degree in the criminal justice or corrections-related field.
  • 2022; First FDC scholarship recipient, Clarissa Davis (Hardee CI, Classification Officer and Chaplain) is selected and awarded funds to continue her education in both Criminal Justice and Biblical Studies.
  • Secretary Louie Wainwright’s grandson, Josh Wainwright, received the inaugural FDC Hall of Fame award on the late Secretary’s behalf.

    ###


    As Florida's largest state agency, and the third largest state prison system in the country, FDC employs 24,000 members, incarcerates 80,000 inmates and supervises nearly 146,000 offenders in the community.

    Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
    Inspiring success by transforming one life at a time.
    Visit our website at http://www.dc.state.fl.us.