Harry Vernon began his career as a correctional officer at D. Ray James Facility in 2007, while it was under contract with Cornell Corrections. He was an integral part of the transition from the state contracted facility run by Cornell Corrections to the Federal Bureau of Prisons contracted facility run by The GEO Group in 2010. Vernon transferred from D. Ray James Correctional Facility as a correctional officer to Folkston ICE Processing Center (FIPC) as a detention officer in 2021.
Mr. Vernon has achieved many accomplishments during his 18-year correctional career. From 2008 to 2009, he became the leader of a five-man Tactical Utility Team, responsible for monitoring operations throughout the facility and responding to disturbances. Officer Vernon often used his exceptional interpersonal communication skills to de-escalate tense and stressful situations.
In 2012, Vernon received temporary duty assignments in Mississippi and Texas, collaborating with other Correctional Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to regain operational control of multiple facilities which had inmate disturbances. Those facilities included East Mississippi Correctional Facility and Marshall County Correctional Facility in Mississippi, as well as Big Spring Correctional Facility in Texas.
Shortly after transferring to FIPC, he voluntarily assumed the role of CERT Commander. Since undertaking those responsibilities, he reestablished the foundation of CERT by reinforcing the importance of teamwork, dedication, determination and commitment. At the same time, he made extensive efforts to enhance his skill set with regular training and by obtaining the following certifications: NRA Firearms Instructor, Chemical Munitions Instructor, Georgia Board of Private Security (GBPS) certified, Defensive Tactics Instructor. Additionally, he has completed room-clearing training with Jacksonville SWAT. The combination of all his certifications, training, and years in the correctional environment have greatly served to benefit not only FIPC but The GEO Group as a whole. He has raised the standard for many of his peers by mentoring the new officers and taking a personal interest in the success of all employees.
Mr. Vernon and all of the CERT team work with the local Charlton County Sheriff’s department during their annual Junior Sheriffs' Academy. They assist the department while serving as a positive role model to youth and future correctional and law enforcement officers. He states, "I thrive on teaching others how to maintain control of a situation from the inside out! CERT has been a passion of mine since I started in corrections, and I take pride in the work I've done since then. Every role I've taken on and the people who have been part of my journey mean so much to me, not only at my facility but across all GEO facilities."
Outside of his work with GEO, Vernon enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessica, whom he has been married to for 18 years, and their four children: Jordan, Chase, Kassidy, and Ava. They also have three English Bulldogs-Bledsoe, Nori, and Molly. In his free time, he loves going on fishing trips, all things New England Patriots, and fully embracing all aspects of fatherhood. Congratulations on being selected as the Correctional Officer of the Year!
