Northwest State Correctional Facility

SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF: COII Hope Ferris
by FSES Engels

Since joining the Vermont Department of Corrections on September 16, 2024, COII Hope Ferris has quickly embraced opportunities for growth and development. In less than two years, she has advanced to the rank of Correctional Officer II and recently earned a spot on the facility’s Special Response Team (SRT).

For Ferris, a career in corrections was something she had considered long before walking through the doors of Northwest State Correctional Facility.

“I’ve kind of always wanted to do something like corrections, police, military,” she said. “I’ve just kind of always wanted to do something like this.”

Ferris remembers spending her first day shadowing Officers Aldrich and Mahoney, learning the fundamentals of the profession. While she wasn’t yet learning the details of running a housing unit, she was introduced to the concepts that would form the foundation of her career.

“They taught me all the stuff about safety and security,” she recalled. “They went over the basic stuff that now just comes naturally.”

One lesson in particular has remained with her since that first day.
“Building rapport and respect goes both ways,” Ferris said. “That’s one of the things they were saying right from the start.”

That philosophy continues to influence how she approaches her work today. When asked what skills are most important for someone working in corrections, Ferris pointed to communication and de-escalation.

“I see a big role in being able to talk to the IIs and use the ACT skills,” she said. “I feel like de-escalation skills is a big one that helps a lot.”

One of the aspects of corrections that Ferris enjoys most is that no two days are ever exactly alike.

“I like that every day has its own set schedule of what’s supposed to be happening,” she said with a laugh. “And then everything in between happens, and it doesn’t actually end up happening. Every day’s different, but it has its own plan of how it’s supposed to go.”

Her motivation remains rooted in the fact that corrections is a career she genuinely wanted to pursue.
“It’s something that I’ve kind of always wanted to do,” she said. “I haven’t really had any days where I’ve lost motivation while working here.”

Ferris recently took on a new challenge by joining the Special Response Team. The decision was driven by her desire to continue learning and growing professionally.
“More opportunities to learn new things, grow in my career here, and see how much I can learn,” she explained. “It also just interests me—learning more techniques and being able to do more things.”

When discussing the people who have influenced her career, Ferris immediately pointed to Officer Aldrich.

“He just has a lot of knowledge,” she said. “Not even just about corrections, but about anything in life.”

What stands out most to her is not only his knowledge, but the way he communicates it.

“The way he’s able to say things differently and change it depending on who he’s talking to,” she said. “And seeing how he interacts with the IIs and uses de-escalation techniques.”

As someone who has progressed quickly through the ranks, Ferris offers straightforward advice to anyone considering a career in corrections.
“Respect goes both ways. Be firm, fair, and consistent.”

Outside of work, Ferris enjoys a variety of activities on her days off and is an avid collector of classic arcade games. Asked to name her favorite movie, she didn’t hesitate.

“Kangaroo Jack,” she said. “Every scene of that movie is absolutely hilarious.”

And if she could offer one piece of advice to her younger self?
“You’re doing fine.”

With a commitment to learning, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, COII Hope Ferris continues to build an impressive career while contributing to the success of Northwest State Correctional Facility.

Northwest State Correctional Facility OUR VALUES:

Accountability, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, Safety.

👔 Happy Father’s Day from Northwest State Correctional Facility 👔

Today, we celebrate and honor the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures who make a difference in the lives of others through their guidance, support, and example.

Fathers play many roles—teacher, protector, coach, counselor, role model, and friend. Their influence helps shape families, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations.

At NWSCF, we recognize the dedication of the many fathers and father figures among our staff, volunteers, community partners, and incarcerated individuals who continue to make a positive impact both at home and in the workplace.

Thank you for your leadership, sacrifice, patience, and unwavering commitment to those who depend on you. Your presence matters, and your contributions do not go unnoticed.

Wishing all fathers and father figures a joyful, relaxing, and well-deserved Father's Day.

Happy Father’s Day from Northwest State Correctional Facility!

☀️ Welcome, Summer! ☀️

Today marks the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

As the days grow warmer and opportunities for outdoor activities increase, the Summer Solstice reminds us to appreciate the beauty of the season, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the simple moments that make summer special.

Whether it's exploring Vermont's outdoors, gathering with loved ones, attending community events, or simply enjoying a sunny day, summer offers a chance to recharge, reconnect, and create lasting memories.

At Northwest State Correctional Facility, we wish everyone a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer season. As always, we encourage everyone to look out for one another, stay hydrated during hot weather, and make the most of the longer days ahead.

Here's to new beginnings, brighter days, and all the possibilities that summer brings.

Happy First Day of Summer from Northwest State Correctional Facility!

☀️🌻🌲

❤️🖤💚 Juneteenth – Freedom Day ❤️🖤💚

On June 19, we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, achievements, and enduring contributions of African Americans throughout our nation's history.

Juneteenth serves as both a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality, justice, and opportunity for all. It is a time to reflect on our shared history, learn from the past, and recognize the individuals whose courage and perseverance helped shape a stronger nation.

At Northwest State Correctional Facility, we value the diversity of experiences and perspectives that strengthen our workforce, our communities, and our mission. We remain committed to fostering an environment built on dignity, respect, fairness, and inclusion.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we encourage reflection, learning, and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and lasting impact of African Americans on our society.

Happy Juneteenth from Northwest State Correctional Facility.

With the power outage at the Vermont Correctional Academy today, training didn’t stop. Instead of relying on classroom presentations or technology, cadets shifted their focus to one of the most fundamental aspects of corrections work: defensive tactics.

Cadets spent the day practicing blocks, strikes, and other defensive skills that are essential for maintaining personal safety and responding effectively to unpredictable situations. While classroom instruction provides the knowledge behind the profession, hands-on training develops the confidence, muscle memory, and decision-making abilities that officers may need to rely on in critical moments.

Training under less-than-ideal circumstances also reinforced an important lesson about corrections work itself: adaptability. Correctional professionals must be prepared to perform their duties regardless of unexpected challenges, whether that means equipment failures, emergencies, staffing shortages, or rapidly evolving incidents. Today’s power outage became an opportunity for cadets to demonstrate resilience, flexibility, and a commitment to learning.

Every hour spent refining defensive tactics helps build safer officers, safer facilities, and safer outcomes for everyone. Even when the lights go out, the learning continues.

Today, Northwest State Correctional Facility joins Americans across the nation in observing Flag Day and honoring the Stars and Stripes.

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777. For generations, the American flag has served as a symbol of freedom, unity, resilience, and the shared ideals that bring our nation together.

Whether displayed at homes, schools, businesses, military installations, or public institutions, the flag serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who have worked to preserve and protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

At NWSCF, we recognize the dedication and service of those who proudly serve their communities and their country. As we observe Flag Day, we reflect on the values represented by our flag and our collective responsibility to uphold them through integrity, respect, and service to others.

Please join us in honoring the American flag and all it represents.

Happy Flag Day from Northwest State Correctional Facility.

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Week IV at the Vermont Corrections Academy:

Today, the cadets are participating in training focused on Identity and Bias, an important component of their professional development as correctional officers.

This instruction encourages cadets to examine how personal experiences, backgrounds, values, and perspectives shape interactions with others. Through guided discussion and practical application, cadets learn to recognize conscious and unconscious biases, understand the impact those biases can have on decision-making, and develop strategies to ensure fair, professional, and impartial treatment of all individuals.

The training reinforces the Vermont Department of Corrections’ commitment to professionalism, respect, and equitable treatment while helping cadets build the self-awareness necessary to work effectively with diverse populations, colleagues, and community partners.

By developing a greater understanding of identity and bias, cadets strengthen their ability to make sound decisions, communicate effectively, and uphold the department’s values in every aspect of their work.