HAGERSTOWN, MD.- A new warden is taking the reins at the Maryland Correctional Training Center and he says he has some big shoes to fill.
Warden Wayne Webb will be following years of experience. Retiring warden Kenneth Horning began his career with the Maryland Division of Correction in 1970. He became warden in 2007 and along he had one mission.
"Working here with the challenge of trying to make that last ditch effort to get everything you can to help these men change," says Horning. "I think this has been probably the most rewarding aspect of my career."
Webb himself has been with the Maryland Correctional Training Center for more than 20 years. He was part of the Weapons Squad and served as Tactical Commander.
"I won't say that it's the training, its the reaction that has prepared me for, but it's also the knowledge to know that anytime within an institution something can occur and you gotta be prepared to deal with that," says Webb.
"I worked with Wayne for a long time," says Michael Stouffer, commissioner of the Maryland Division of Correction. "He has the temperament and the skill set to do a very good job. He understands what correction is, what needs to be done."
Webb and other officials say among their top priorities during this transition is to continue and develop the center's programs for inmates.
"I'm approached by 10, 20 inmates," says Webb. "They'll get in line to talk because I listen to them and I will talk to them."
His predecessor says that while the job is demanding and at times draining, striking a balance is key.
"Your mental health, your calmness, etc., makes you a better leader," says Horning.
Some necessary skills when overseeing 3,000 inmates.
Warden Wayne Webb will be following years of experience. Retiring warden Kenneth Horning began his career with the Maryland Division of Correction in 1970. He became warden in 2007 and along he had one mission.
"Working here with the challenge of trying to make that last ditch effort to get everything you can to help these men change," says Horning. "I think this has been probably the most rewarding aspect of my career."
Webb himself has been with the Maryland Correctional Training Center for more than 20 years. He was part of the Weapons Squad and served as Tactical Commander.
"I won't say that it's the training, its the reaction that has prepared me for, but it's also the knowledge to know that anytime within an institution something can occur and you gotta be prepared to deal with that," says Webb.
"I worked with Wayne for a long time," says Michael Stouffer, commissioner of the Maryland Division of Correction. "He has the temperament and the skill set to do a very good job. He understands what correction is, what needs to be done."
Webb and other officials say among their top priorities during this transition is to continue and develop the center's programs for inmates.
"I'm approached by 10, 20 inmates," says Webb. "They'll get in line to talk because I listen to them and I will talk to them."
His predecessor says that while the job is demanding and at times draining, striking a balance is key.
"Your mental health, your calmness, etc., makes you a better leader," says Horning.
Some necessary skills when overseeing 3,000 inmates.
