by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Former bailiff Susie Barber has worked in the Duval County Courthouse for over 25 years. Now a misdemeanor court liaison with The Salvation Army, she was recently named the Florida Corrections Employee of the Year.
Barber was nominated by supervisor Rick Lashomb.
“We’re very proud of her and the work she does for us,” he said. “She deserves it.”
Barber, who is among four other award recipients selected out of a pool of 500, was recognized at a reception in Camp Keystone last month.
Later this year she will attend the 2004 American Probation and Parole Association’s Annual Training Institute in Orlando on an all-expense paid scholarship.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognized for doing what you love to do,” she said. “I’ve seen this program grow and grow and grow over the years and to be singled out like this is wonderful.”
Barber became a courthouse liaison for The Salvation Army during the program’s first year, when there were only a handful of employees. Today, she supervises a staff of eight, who serve 15 county court judges.
Barber said she does everything from working with “clients” from the Duval County Jail, to analyzing and evaluating various courthouse services. She also serves as the primary medium between Salvation Army case counselors and the judiciary.
“When you go to work, you don’t expect to win an award,” she said, “but it certainly makes you feel validated when it happens.
“I’m very grateful.”
Barber added that her new-found recognition won’t be going to her head.
“No, I enjoy my job too much for that,” she said. “Plus, I plan to be around for at least another five or six years. I’ll be here for as long as I feel good and I definitely still do.”