Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections

06/12/2026

Meet the dynamic mother and daughter duo of Rhonda and Zoie Babel, who are professional staff members located at the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections headquarters in Baton Rouge.

Today we recognize these two energetic ladies for their hard work and dedication to the Department. Rhonda and Zoie are both a breath of fresh air from the moment you meet them. You will always find a smile on their faces while giving 110% to achieving their jobs duties.

Rhonda serves as the Administrative Program Director and manages the Business Office. She’s been part of the Department’s family since October 2012. Zoie joined the Facility Services team last year in April and works part-time.

Rhonda values her role because it allows her to make a meaningful impact behind the scenes. Her team, which may not be highly visible, plays a vital part in accuracy and integrity that helps the Department operate effectively and support its mission every day. Rhonda was recently honored with the 2025 Supervisor of the 3rd Quarter award. She likes activities that help her to relax and stay balanced, which is why she totally enjoys cruises. Rhonda also believes in staying active through fitness and hiking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Zoie’s job has taught her how important organization, structure and reliability are in any environment where people depend on you. She’s currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Franciscan University, where she’s building the foundation for her future career as a registered nurse upon graduation in 2029.

Rhonda loves spending time with her daughter Zoie, who delights in baking and experimenting with new recipes. They enjoy traveling together, trying new restaurants, eating good food, just shopping around, but more importantly making lasting memories through their shared experiences. According to Zoie, nothing beats doing it all while hanging out with her mom!

Thank you both for your continued service to the Department and the people of Louisiana.

06/12/2026

On Thursday, employees were recognized for their dedication and service during the 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony & Training Celebration at Louisiana State Penitentiary.

The event honored employees for outstanding achievements and career milestones, including two team members who have each dedicated 50 years of service to the Department.

A special portion of the ceremony was also dedicated to remembering the employees we have lost over the past year, with a moment of silence held in their honor. Lt. Taylor Ganey was posthumously recognized with a 5-year service pin, which was presented to her family.

Attendees also heard inspiring remarks from guest speaker John DiCarlo, who spoke on the 10 Pillars of Professionalism.

We are so grateful for the commitment, sacrifice and professionalism our employees demonstrate each day in service to the people of Louisiana. Congratulations to all of this year's honorees.

06/11/2026

Job well done by Probation & Parole Officers Josh Hewitt and Thomas Eskola from the Baton Rouge District who last week worked to protect citizens and keep communities safe from dangerous criminals. The duo arrested Joshua Johnson and Kelvin Cavalier, who were both under supervision at the time, and seized five fi****ms, which two were equipped with machine gun conversion devices.

Johnson was charged with five counts of possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies along with two counts of handling of machine guns. Cavalier was charged with one count of handling of machine guns.

These apprehensions are part of the newly implemented Youthful Violent Offender Program that seeks to hold individuals, including juveniles, who choose to engage in violent acts accountable for crimes they commit.

06/10/2026

Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women recently reinstated the Locks of Love Program, providing the ladies with a meaningful opportunity to support children and families across the nation who are undergoing cancer treatment. The program not only benefits recipients but also allows participants to give back in a powerful and personal way.

One inmate donated ten inches of her hair in honor of her mother, who lost her battle with cancer. Her act of generosity reflects the compassion and purpose that this program inspires. To date, twelve donations have been collected, and several more ladies have signed up to participate.

Through their commitment and selfless contributions, these women exemplify Stephen Covey’s words: “I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” Their decisions to serve others demonstrate growth, empathy and the positive impact they can have on the lives of those in need.

Thank you Warden Kristen Thomas for your leadership and for bringing this wonderful program back! Learn more about Locks of Love https://locksoflove.org/

06/10/2026

A big thank you goes out to Warden Darrel Vannoy and his amazing team who welcomed this year’s Governor’s Fellows Program participants and staff to tour Louisiana State Penitentiary.

The prestigious Governor’s Fellows Program is a dynamic summer internship that provides collegiate student leaders with the opportunity to have hands-on experience in public policy and state government.

The 14 students who attend various Louisiana colleges spent the day learning from staff and inmates about the rich history of the correctional facility. The tour included the museum, educational and vocational areas, inmate burial grounds, lakes, former ex*****on chamber, canine and horse areas, service dog training program to assist veterans, and ending with lunch at the famous Ranch House. The tour was led by Deputy Warden Ashli Oliveaux and Administrative Program Director Amber Vittorio with Secretary Westcott, Deputy Secretary Lee and Communications Director Tiffany Dickerson also in attendance.

06/09/2026

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections is excited to welcome Lafayette native, Patrick Barry to our family! Patrick who goes by PJ is a member of the Governor’s Fellows Class of 2026. PJ is currently a sophomore majoring in political science at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

This summer PJ will work alongside department leaders and staff in the reentry, education and chaplaincy program to craft a policy proposal to present to Governor Landry. He has already visited three correctional facilities and learned a lot about the department in a relatively short timeframe.

The Governor’s Fellows Program is an excellent opportunity for young collegiate leaders to experience public policy in action, learn the rich history and current affairs of Louisiana government, while earning academic credit. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, PJ plans to attend law school.

06/03/2026

A special thanks goes to Warden Keith Bickham, his leadership team and staff for giving members of headquarters leadership a tour of Rayburn Correctional Center located in Angie, Louisiana. The team had opportunity to visit with staff, meet individuals who are incarcerated and view impactful areas of the compound.

The facility recognizes the importance of education to reduce recidivism and offers robust academic and vocational programs. RCC also has an impressive collaboration with Northshore Community College Extension program. These various programs and instructional guidance are aimed at helping the men have a successful reentry back into the community.

05/28/2026

This week we are extremely proud to recognize the hard work and contributions of department staff located at headquarters who were treated to breakfast in honor of employee appreciation week. Thank You!

05/28/2026

If you missed the WAFB story that aired on Memorial Day about the American Legion Post 432 veterans who are incarcerated at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, then click the link to learn more about their service and how they're making a difference even behind bars.

https://www.wafb.com/2026/05/25/prison-based-american-legion-post-helps-incarcerated-veterans-rebuild-lives/?fbclid=IwdGRjcASBwAxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeDKEvZBXfCZNhzoP0r7cjUKM9evU070gigOsCtiZhMb_wQENMCSyylC_oLnE_aem_T4_V0T8SdtKnvWJt_iAGtg

American Legion Veterans Memorial Post 432 at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center was the first prison-based American Legion post in Louisiana, helping incarcerated veterans heal and rebuild their lives.

05/27/2026

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections is deeply saddened by the loss of Lieutenant Taylor Ganey, a valued member of the Security Team at the Louisiana State Penitentiary since February 10, 2020.

Lt. Ganey will always be remembered for her vibrant personality, professionalism, and the lasting impact she made on those around her each day. Her dedication to the Department and the relationships she built with her fellow employees will not be forgotten.

We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to her family, friends, and colleagues as we mourn this tremendous loss.