Wilkes RYDC Honors Dedicated Juvenile Correctional Officer

Story information provided by Heather James

Recently, the Wilkes Regional Youth Detention Center (Wilkes RYDC) honored Juvenile Correctional Officer Willie Gaston for 35-year career in service to the Washington community. He began his career with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice in November 1997 as an officer for the former Sandersville Regional Youth Detention Center.

As a vital member of the staff, Officer Gaston took the initiative to mentor and assist newly sworn officers throughout his career. Gaston taught younger officers to be better listeners, maintain high levels of patience and encouraged them to further their careers with the department. During his career, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served in the position for eight years. Before beginning his career with DJJ, Gaston worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Gaston’s colleagues celebrated his retirement with a reception at Wilkes RYDC. During the ceremony, he words of wisdom to his fellow employees: “You don’t need a title to be a leader, leadership isn’t determined by your title, but your actions.”

The Department of Juvenile Justice thanks Officer Gaston for his many years of service and dedication.