COAD News
A Time Of Remembrance: Benefit For Delaware State Trooper Cpl. Stephen Ballard Fri. June 9th
Join the family and friends of Delaware State Trooper Cpl. Stephen Ballard as the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware hosts a celebration of life to honor his memory. The benefit event includes food, an open bar, music by DJ Waite A Minute and DJ Awall, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Proceeds will go to the DSTA Stephen Ballard Memorial Fund. Tickets are $30 each at the door.
Friday, June 9th @ 6 pm - Midnite
COAD Union Hall
For more info: (302) 734-8061
2017 College Scholarship Applications Available
COAD College Scholarship Applications are now available at the COAD Union Hall. The application deadline is Monday, April 3rd @ 5 PM.
Details are available by clicking College Scholarships on the menu to the left of this post.
Toys For Tots Drop Site Located At The COAD Union Hall
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware is a drop site for "Toys for Tots." Brand new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the COAD Union Hall Mon. - Fri. between the hours of
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SOLD OUT! 6th Annual COAD Breakfast W/Santa Sat., Dec. 3rd
Membership Appreciation Day!
Tall Oaks Academy Senior Receives 2016 COAD College Scholarship
Congratulations to Terri Joy Brunson of Tall Oaks Classical Academy on being selected to receive one of five, 2016 COAD College Scholarship Awards! Retired Correctional Officer and former COAD VP, Sandra Davis, presented her with the check on Thursday, May 26th at the Tall Oaks Academy Carnival and Awards Day. COAD wishes Miss Brunson continued success in all her future endeavors!
CALL TO ACTION!
Dear COAD Brothers and Sisters,
Please be advised, an email was received yesterday indicating SEBC Chair Ann Visalli has scheduled a vote for Friday, March 4th on the 7% monthly healthcare premium increase for Delaware State Employees. One dynamic which makes COAD strong is it's size, strength in numbers, please try to attend as this meeting is open to the public for comment. Details are as follows;
Location: Tatnall Building, 150 William Penn Street, Dover, DE
Date: Friday, March 4, 2016
Time: 2 PM
If you are not available for tomorrows meeting, voice your displeasure regarding the proposed healthcare premium increases by contacting your Senator or Representative by phone or via email. It's absolutely necessary, that once again, we harness the power of our membership to defeat this substantial increase in our healthcare premiums.
In solidarity,
Geoff Klopp
COAD President
COAD Election Results
Polls Open At 6 AM Today, Tuesday, February 2nd
Don't Forget To Vote, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware, Union Officer Elections, will take place on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. Polling stations for state-wide and local positions will be located at the following institutions: HRYCI, BWCI, JTVCC, SCI and at the COAD Union Hall. Please ensure you have your Department issued ID and voting card (if applicable). Only COAD FULL SHARE MEMBERS will be allowed to vote. Members must vote at their assigned institutions, except for Level-IV and STRO/C&T.
Polling Locations and Times:
HRYCI: 0600-1000 and 1400-1800
BWCI: 0600-1000 and 1400-1800
SCI : 0600-1000 and 1400-1800
COAD Union Hall: 0600-1000 and 1400-1800
JTVCC: 0600-1800
Court and Transportation/STRO will vote at their nearest institution and must have their voting card.
SVOP/SCCC will vote at SCI.
MCCC will vote at the COAD Union Hall.
Hazel D. Plant will vote at BWCI.
All remaining NC-4 will vote at HRYCI.
All Maintenance will vote at their assigned facility.
COAD Super Bowl 50 Party Tickets Now Available
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware is hosting a Super Bowl 50 Party for COAD members, their families and friends on Sunday, February 7th. Watch the AFC Champions, Denver Broncos, do battle with the NFC Champions, Carolina Panthers on large screen TV's at the COAD Union Hall. Doors open at 5:30pm.
Culinary delights include subs from Capriottis, chicken wings, chili, dips, deserts, non-alcoholic beverages and more. There will be a half-time 50/50 drawing. BYOB is permitted. Tickets are now available.
Members: $3
Non-members: $5
All NON-MEMBERS must be accompanied by a COAD member.
Reservations are necessary, call the COAD Office: 302-734-8061 or email coad2@comcast.net for reservations.
2016 COAD College Scholarship Applications Now Available
High school seniors, who are the children of Correctional Officers Association of Delaware members, may be eligible for one of five, $1,000, achievement-based scholarships.
Application Deadline: A complete application must be received on or before 5 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016.
2016 COAD Scholarship Applications are available at the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware Union Hall. For more information contact Hal Taylor (302) 734-8061 or click on the menu (College Scholarships).
2015 COAD Breakfast With Santa Pictures
With over 225 people in attendance at the COAD Union Hall on Sat., Dec 5th, nobody does Breakfast with Santa better! A very special thanks to all the volunteers for making the 5th Annual Correctional Officers Association of Delaware Breakfast with Santa Toy Raiser to benefit Toys for Tots a wonderful success. The COAD yearly event would not be possible without your help! As always, it is our goal is to ensure every child in Delaware wakes up Christmas morning with toys under the tree and stockings which are overflowing. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year to all!
2015 Breakfast with Santa pics! Photo Gallery
FREE LUNCH WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18th!
Ella's Daughters will be serving lunch at the COAD Union Hall on Wednesday, November 18th beginning at 11 a.m. They are offering a FREE LUNCH to the first (10) COAD members to make a reservation. For some good home cooking call (302) 734-8061 to reserve your meal.
5th Annual COAD Breakfast With Santa Toy Raiser Sat. December 5th
Garden Of Remembrance Memorial Service Scheduled For September
The Garden of Remembrance Memorial Service is scheduled for September 12, 2015 at 10 a.m. The service will be held at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center honoring those who have served with us dedicating their lives to the safety of others.
COAD Membership Overwhelmingly Approves An Updated Constitution
The Union body voted overwhelmingly on Thursday, July 16th, to adopt an updated Constitution (bylaws). This is yet another monumental step forward for our organization and our members!
The COAD Executive Board would like to thank all of those who were involved in the process of writing this Constitution. It was a long and arduous process and required many hours to finish. Thank you to all who were involved!!
Vote On An Amendment To Adopt A Newly Updated Constitution To Be Held Thursday, July 16, 2015
At the Monthly Membership Meetings on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 10 am and 6:30 pm there will be a vote on an Amendment to adopt a newly updated Constitution.
Refreshments will be served.
SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015
PRESENTATION ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE COAD CONSTITUTION
Recently, COAD mailed all members a copy of the proposed COAD Constitution. There is a special meeting of the full-share Union body on July 9, 2015 to address this proposal. There will be a presentation at this meeting to go over the proposed changes so all members are clear on what is being voted on. A vote to adopt these proposals WILL NOT be taken at this meeting. The special meeting will take place at 0930 hours, 1230 hours and 1730 hours on Thursday July 9th at the Union hall. Shop Stewards are not mandated to attend this special meeting.
The vote for the proposed Constitution will take place at the next general membership meeting on July 16th, 2015. Only full-share Union members will be permitted to attend and vote
24 Individuals Graduate From CEIT Class 208
COAD congratulates CEIT Class #208 who graduated on June 12th consisting of 19 Correctional Officers, 2 Correctional Officer/Food Services Specialists, 2 Department of Education Teachers, and 1 Correctional Counselor.
Sussex Tech HS Senior Awarded A COAD College Scholarship
Sussex Technical High School Senior, Olivia Outten, receives a COAD College Scholarship Award from SCI VP Sgt. Jeremy Blank at the Sussex Tech Senior Awards Ceremony held on May 26th.
Caesar Rodney HS Senior Wins COAD College Scholarship Award
COAD Shop Steward Sandra Davis presents Cameron Corbett with a $1000. check at the Caesar Rodney HS Senior Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 4th. Cameron was chosen to receive a 2015 COAD College Scholarship Award for having demonstrated over a significant period of time, outstanding academic achievement, combined with a strong sense of community service and family duty.
COAD Hosts "A Song And Dance For Keisha"
The Correctional Officers Association Of Delaware is hosting "A Song And Dance For Keisha", a benefit for the children of Keisha Hamilton, the missing Smyrna mother of four who was last seen on January 9th.
The benefit is scheduled for Friday, February 13th from 6-10 p. m. at the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware Union Hall located at 1243 College Park Drive, Dover, DE. The evening will include live entertainment, DJ, light refreshments and a raffle. Admission is $10. with all proceeds to be used for Keisha Hamilton's children. For more information contact the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware at (302) 734-8061.
Click on the links below to watch COAD members Cpl. Sandra Rayne and Cpl. Glenenise Parks discussing the upcoming fundraiser for Keisha Hamilton's children.
10 A.M. Breakfast With Santa Seating SOLD OUT! Tickets Still Available For The 7 A.M Seating.
4th Annual COAD Breakfast With Santa Toy Raiser
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware will be holding our 4th Annual Breakfast with Santa Toy Raiser benefitting "Toys for Tots" on Sat., Dec. 20th with 2 seatings beginning at 7 am and 10 am. Reservations are needed and details of the event can be obtained by clicking on the link listed below.
COAD Membership Overwhelmingly Ratifies New Contract
On Tuesday, November 25th, the COAD membership by a vote of 611-37 (94%) ratified a new 3 year contract with the State of Delaware.
Update: COAD Basketball And Hockey Trips Are SOLD OUT
The COAD Basketball trip to see the Philadelphia 76ers play the New York Knicks on March 20, 2015 has SOLD OUT.
The COAD Hockey trip scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2015 to see the Philadelphia Flyers play the New York Rangers is now SOLD OUT.
If you wish to be placed on a stand-by list in case of a cancellation, please call the union hall at 734-8061 during business hours.
COAD Union Hall Is A Toys For Tots Drop Off Site
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware is a drop site for "Toys for Tots." Brand new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the COAD Union Hall Mon. - Fri. between the hours of 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
COAD 2014 Scholarship Award Winners
COAD President Geoff Klopp presents Nashea Hagaman with her scholarship award.
The COAD Scholarship Awards Banquet was held on Wednesday, June 18th. The Scholarship Awards were presented to the following high school seniors;
Cierra Bryant
Appoquinimink H.S.
Chyvante Floyd
Polytech H.S.
Nashea Hagaman
Dover H.S.
Tyrone Lee Smith Jr.
Sussex Technical H.S.
To view the Scholarship Banquet pictures click on the link below.
PolyTech HS Senior Receives COAD College Scholarship Award
For outstanding academic achievement and commitment to community service, Chyvante Floyd is presented with a 2014 COAD College Scholarship Award by Scholarship Chairperson, Hal Taylor, at the Senior Awards Ceremony held at PolyTech H.S. in Woodside on June 3rd.
COAD Awards $1000 To Sussex Tech Senior
Sgt. Jeremy Blank, SCI V.P., presents Tyrone Lee Smith Jr. with a 2014 College Scholarship Award from the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware. The award was presented at Sussex Technical High School in Georgetown during ceremonies on Tuesday, May 27th.
IRS Issues Favorable Determination Letter Regarding 25 Year Retirement
COAD has finally crossed the goal line as the IRS issued a Favorable Determination Letter regarding the 25 year retirement.
Beginning January 1, 2015 employee contributions will be paid under the plan described in HB 207.
Effective January 1, 2017 employees with 25 years of service will be eligible to retire under the new pension plan. For more information regarding the 25 year retirement plan click on the link listed below.
COAD Election Results
President
Lyle Bryant 296
Geoff Klopp 391 (Elected)
Treasurer
Steven Floyd 292
Jason Hornlein 384 (Elected)
Secretary
Mary Burton 240
George McClure 437 (Elected)
HRYCI VP
James Stevens 103 (Elected)
Navinia Williams 59
BWCI VP
Nicholas Page 5
Diane Rohland 30 (Elected)
Curtis Sealy 10
CVOP/Morris VP
Ed Hood 17 (Elected)
Kimberly Justice 5
COAD Union Officer Elections To Be Held In February
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware will be holding their Union Officer Elections on Tuesday, February 11th. Polling stations, voting times and a snow date will be made available upon confirmation from the Delaware Department of Elections. Information will be posted as it becomes available.
Radio Interview For Upcoming COAD Breakfast With Santa
On Wednesday, COAD President Geoff Klopp and Breakfast with Santa Coordinators, Glenenise Parks and Hal Taylor sat down with "In Touch with Delmarva's" radio host, Norm Short, to discuss the upcoming COAD Breakfast with Santa. The interview will air this weekend on the following stations;
Cool 101.3 WNCL
Eagle 97.7 WAFL
The 9 minute interview can be heard in its entirety by clicking on the link below.
COAD Union Hall Is A Drop Site For Toys For Tots
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware is a drop site for "Tots for Tots." Brand new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the COAD Union Hall Mon. - Fri. between the hours of 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
COAD Membership Ratifies Contract
On Wednesday, November 27th, the COAD membership approved a one-year contract extension by a vote of 227-216.
Contract Ratification Vote Scheduled For Wed., Nov. 27th.
A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION RATIFICATION VOTE will be held at HRYCI, JTVCC, BWCI, SCI and the COAD Union Hall on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. Voting hours are from 0600-1030 and 1330-1800. The vote tally will be conducted at the COAD Union Hall immediately following the balloting.
Copies of the one-year extension are available for review. Contact your Institutional VP or the COAD Business Office. They will also be available at the polling places on the day of the vote.
Governor Markell Signs 25 Year Retirement Bill
COAD President Geoff Klopp and Senior Vice President Dino Garnett are all smiles as Governor Markell signs 25 year retirement bill.
On Tuesday, August 27th, at the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware Union Hall, Governor Jack Markell signed into law HB207 permitting employees who are employed in positions that are classified as Hazardous Duty Level A-1, retirement at 25 years without any reduction. The bill is subject to a favorable Private Letter Ruling or a favorable Determination Letter by the Internal Revenue Service.
More information regarding the bill can be found by clicking on the following link.....
House Passes HB 207
The House passed HB 207 by a vote of 39-1. The Senate wiil vote on the bill this Sunday. To see how your representative voted, click on the link below.
Senate Passes HB 207
At approximately 11:37 p.m. on Sunday, June 30th, the Delaware Senate passed HB 207 with a vote of 20-0. Individual Senator votes can be viewed by clicking on the following link.....
HB 207 (25 Year Pension Plan)
HB 207, AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE EMPLOYEES' PENSION PLAN is on the agenda for a vote on Thursday, June 27th. Ciick on the following link for more information regarding the bill....
Q & A Meeting Scheduled With DOC Commissioner Robert Coupe
DOC Commissioner Robert Coupe has accepted COAD's invitation and will be our special guest on Thursday, June 20th for the monthly membership meetings. Commissioner Coupe will be answering questions from the COAD membership at both the morning and evening meetings. The meetings are scheduled to begin at 10 am and 6:30 pm with refreshments being served.
COAD Scholarship Award Winners
COAD President Geoff Klopp presenting Terry Brunson of Tall Oaks Academy with his award.
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware announced the winners of the 2013 COAD College Scholarships at a banquet held on May 15th. Five college-bound high school seniors each received $1000.
The COAD College Scholarship recipients are as follows;
Carly Piel
Indian River H.S.
Eryn Quillen
Seaford Senior H.S.
Carolyn Smith
Seaford Senior H.S.
Terry Brunson
Tall Oaks Classical School
Skylar Murray
Sussex Central H.S.
Established in 2013, the COAD Scholarship program was created to financially assist children of COAD members who have exhibited throughout their high school careers, academic excellence and a strong sense of participation within their school and community.
View the Scholarship Banquet pics by clicking on the link below.....
COAD Announces Keynote Speaker For College Scholarship Awards Banquet
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware is honored to have State Senator Ernesto B. Lopez (District 6) as the Keynote Speaker for the COAD College Scholarship Awards banquet on May 15th at 6:30 p.m. Senator Lopez is a member of the Senate Education Committee and holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
For more details regarding the event, contact Hal Taylor, COAD Treasurer.
2012 Breakfast With Santa Pics
57 Breakfast with Santa pictures supplied by Sgt. Clinton Gillis can now be viewed at the following link...
Toy Raiser Held By COAD Exceeds Expectations
COAD's very successful "Breakfast with Santa Toy Raiser" held on Dec. 15th raised 242 toys for "Toys for Tots."
A very special thanks to all the volunteers, without you, this day would not have been possible!
COAD Event Makes Front Page Headlines
Check out the front page of the 12/19 edition of the Dover Post. Also, Page 15A has several Breakfast with Santa pics. Clink on the link, then click on zoom.....
Letter From Commissioner Danberg
To all Department of Correction:
Every once in a while I get reminded of just how many wonderful people work for this agency. I hope you all will get a chance to read the Dover Post today. In the wake of the tragedy in Connecticut, I was privileged to attend an event for children this past weekend. The event was completely run by the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware. COAD held a Christmas with Santa function in their union hall in Dover. Admission to the event was free; however, they were collecting Toys for Tots, in support of the United States Marine Corp program. Everyone was treated to a home cooked meal, prepared and served by employees of DOC and members of COAD. Children were invited to play in two large moon-bounces, get their faces painted , and sit on Santa’s lap. Music was provided by a DOC employee.
In addition to opening the doors to children of employees, they specifically welcomed needy children from two Dover area programs.
I understand over 70 COAD members were responsible for planning, and running this wonderful event. While the Department had nothing to do with this event, I do want to thank each and every one of the employees involved. You made my week.
In addition, I want to send out a special thanks to all of you who are working through the holiday, especially those who are working on Christmas so we can spend some time with our families.
Finally, during this season many of us struggle while others are celebrating. I encourage you to seek help if you need it; and to look for the signs of those in distress whether they are co-workers or offenders, and encourage them to seek assistance. Let’s all start the New Year healthy, together.
Whatever your faith, this is a special time of year. From my family to you and yours, Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Carl C. Danberg
Commissioner
Eagle 97 COAD Radio Interview
Click on the link below to hear the Eagle 97 radio interview with COAD President Geoff Klopp, COAD Treasurer Hal Taylor and COAD Banquet Hall Coordinator Glenenise Parks.
Breakfast with Santa Channel 47 TV Interview
Make plans to watch an interview with COAD Breakfast with Santa organizers Hal Taylor and Glenenise Parks by Channel 47 WMDT Reporter Cody Leibowitz. The COAD segment will air Saturday 12/8 on the 6 p.m. news.
COAD Breakfast with Santa Radio Interviews Air Sun. 12/9
President Geoff Klopp, Banquet Hall Coordinator Glenenise Parks and Treasurer Hal Taylor sat down with radio talk show host Norm Short this week to discuss the upcoming COAD Breakfast with Santa Toy Raiser to benefit Toys for Tots. The interviews will be aired on the "In Touch With Delmarva" radio shows on COOL 101.3, Sunday morning at 7 a.m. and Eagle 97.7, Sunday at 6 a.m.
A link to the Podcasts will be placed on this website after the show airs.
What's In A Name?
Those of us who work in Corrections know that anytime stories are published or aired by the media with respect to Correctional Officers, more often than not they portray us in a negative light. Hats off to Reporter Cody Leibowitz of WMDT Channel 47 News who gave us the respect we deserve. In his story regarding the upcoming COAD Breakfast with Santa, he referred to us as Correctional Officers rather than the all to familiar perjorative term used by many in the media, Prison Guards. This is just one more positve step in rebuilding our image. Cody, thanks for getting it right!
2012 Election Results
COAD Breakfast with Santa Toy Raiser
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware will be holding a "Breakfast with Santa Toy Raiser" benefiting "Toys for Tots" on Sat., Dec. 15th at 10:30 a.m. in the COAD union hall. Reservations are needed and details of the event can be obtained by clicking on the link listed below.
Toys for Tots Drop Off Site at the COAD Union Hall
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware is an official drop off location for Toys for Tots. Beginning Monday, Nov. 5th, a Toys for Tots box will be available in the lobby of the union hall for anyone wanting to donate a toy for a needy child on Christmas morning. All toys must be new and unwrapped.
Volunteers Needed for Breakfast with Santa
Retired C/O Terry Jelliffe wishing everyone a Merry Christmas at the first COAD Breakfast with Santa. (12/11/2010)
The COAD Breakfast with Santa scheduled for Sat. Dec. 15th is in need of volunteers to work the event. This years all day program will have two reserved seatings. COAD will be hosting children from the Boys Club and Girls Club of Delaware and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware during one session. A second seating, open to the families of Correctional Officers and the public will see COAD partner with Toys for Tots.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Darlene Curtis, COAD Administrative Assistant/Facility Coordinator, at (302) 734-8061.
Primary Election Results
The results of the Delaware Primary Elections can be viewed by clicking on the following link;
The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 6th.
Delaware Primary Elections Tuesday Sept. 11th
Delaware Primary Elections are scheduled for Tuesday September 11th. Both major parties, Democrat and Republican, will be on the ballot. Only registered Democrats can vote in the Democrat Primary while only registered Republicans will vote in the Republican Primary. Delaware Primary Elections do not allow crossing over of party lines. All other parties including those registered as unaffiliated will not be voting. For more information concerning the 2012 elections click on the links below.
Sussex County Department of Elections
Kent County Department of Elections
BWCI Vice President Appointment
Sandra Davis has been appointed to fill the Vice President's vacancy at BWCI. Sandra has served as a COAD Shop Steward since 2008. The position became available when former BWCI VP Christopher Kearney, who has served since Feb. 2010, promoted to Lieutenant.
Senate Votes Unanimously to Pass 25 Year Retirement Bill for Correctional Officers
On June 28th, the Delaware Senate passed House Bill 164 with a vote of 21-0. Both, Governor Jack Markell and DOC Commissioner Carl Danberg support the 25 year retirement legislation for Correctional Officers leaving only a favorable "PLR" from the Internal Revenue Service before it goes into effect.
In the fall of 2011, the State of Delaware paid the $10,000 fee for a "Private Letter Ruling." If the Internal Revenue Service issues the "PLR" stating the pension plan meets their rules and regulations, the long awaited "25 year retirement ring" for Correctional Officers will become a reality.
Click on the links below to view the bill and an Associated Press news story.
HB 164 Passes the House
A vote of 33-5 saw HB 164 pass the Delaware House of Representatives on Wednesday evening, June 20th. House Bill 164 is the legislation which will enable Correctional Officers to retire after 25 years of service without any pension reduction.
Please click on the link below to the official legislative website to learn how your Representative voted.
COAD Initiates College Scholarship Fund
The Correctional Officers Association of Delaware announces the formation of a COAD College Scholarship Fund. A total of 5 awards will be offered to children of COAD members to assist with tuition during the 2013-14 academic year.
The awards are valued at $1,000 each and to be considered, an applicant must be enrolled during the 2012-13 academic year as a senior at a public or private high school planning to enroll in Fall 2013 as a full-time, degree seeking-freshman at a public or private college or university.
Candidates must submit a COAD College Scholarship Fund application which will be available online from the COAD business office in the near future. A complete list of eligibility requirements along with scholarship selection criteria will also be posted at a later date.
If you would like more information concerning the COAD College Scholarships, you can fill out the website contact form or email Treasurer Hal Taylor.
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