Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Director Heidi Washington presented Kinross Correctional Facility’s Sgt. Keith Cleggy with the 2021 Director's Award this month for going above and beyond in creating emergency processes and assisting staff members over the past couple years.
"Sgt. Keith Clegg's exceptional work ethic and leadership abilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic are an excellent representation of our department," said Director Washington.
Clegg received the department’s highest award when he successfully used his experience in the food industry to train reassigned staff for inmate meal preparation.
“I have worked in food services for 15 years,” said Clegg.
Clegg began working for the department as a food service employee in 1999. When Aramark Corp. took the place of state-run food service operations in December 2013, he took advantage of the opportunity to train as a corrections officer. He was promoted to sergeant four years later in 2017.
“Food service was a mess when COVID hit last year,” said Clegg. The Deputy Warden asked if I could help with food services. Food is what I do.”
Clegg owns Pure Country of Rudyard and Sault Ste. Marie. He donates and prepares his own food to help host facility work events.
“I have access to things,” Clegg said of business contributions. “When COVID came on and put stress on staff, I did stuff to keep the morale up.”
Clegg’s infamous and original “Cowboy Killer Omelet” was a favorite among co-workers. Fried sausage, ham, bacon, jalapenos, melted swiss and American cheese fill a bronzed three-egg omelet, smothered in thick sausage gravy.
This year’s director’s award recipient was grateful he could put his resources and skills to use in promoting a more positive work environment.
“I love the people I work with,” said Clegg about his motivations. “They are my favorite part of the job. They are good people. I listen to the people and they talk to me. They know I am in their corner.”
Earning the praise of his colleagues, not to mention the entire department, was not something Clegg intended.
“I don’t understand this ‘oopla’ thing,” said Sgt. Clegg. “I am like a fish out of water. I do what I do because God has been good to me and given me the ability. That is why I do it.”
