BOLEY – There’s nothing quite like building something by hand, and that’s what 32 inmates at the John Lilley Correctional Center in Boley did when they constructed a new central control building from the ground up. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections recently celebrated their accomplishment with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.

On Friday, June 21, state and community leaders and former and current ODOC employees, including Callie Gilbert, who recently retired after 47 years, gathered to celebrate the men’s handy work.

Speakers for the event included Senator Roger Thompson, Public Safety Secretary Tricia Everest, ODOC Chief Administrator of Institutions Jim Farris and JLCC Warden Terry Tuggle.

Each thanked the men for their outstanding work, praising how they did not accept anything less than perfection and how they could be proud of the finished building. They also commended the men for gaining knowledge that will help them find careers once released.

Sen. Thompson spoke about how their efforts today will make a difference in people’s lives for years to come.

Many of the inmates did not have the required skills when the project began; however, under the tutelage of Tim Lakins, JLCC Construction and Maintenance administrator, assisted by Oklahoma CareerTech, they gained the knowledge and certifications to complete the project successfully.

The entire control building, a three-year project, was built by inmate labor except for the insulation and gutter system. Warden Tuggle commented they could have completed those portions if they had had the proper equipment, highlighting the inmates’ potential for future success once they are reintegrated into society.

The completion of the JLCC central control building is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and newly acquired skills of the 32 inmates who brought this project to life.

It’s not just a physical structure but also symbolizes the transformative power of education and hands-on experience within the correctional system. Their journey from novices to skilled craftsmen showcases how ODOC is dedicated to changing the lives of those in its care and committed to providing such opportunities, fostering a spirit of rehabilitation and empowerment.