"What they have done is save you thousands of dollars in tax money," Savoy Mayor Clete Stogsdill told the crowd assembled in the Savoy Civic Center Thursday morning.
Work details from the Buster Cole Unit have helped the City of Savoy clean up ditches, tear down condemned houses, trim trees, renovate the sewer plant and much, much more.
What made the occasion so special is that everyone on both sides expressed a true debt of gratitude.
One of the correctional officers took a moment to tell the residents of Savoy just how much he looked forward to the good homecooking supplied by the caring folks around town.
"To everyone that worked to feed us and give us an opportunity to not eat prison food," the officer said earnestly, "you just don't know how much we appreciate it."
Chief Warden Vandagriff also took a moment to let the Savoy residents know that their kindness won't soon be forgotten by the work crews.
"It is great to let the offenders get out and see what they can accomplish when they apply themselves in a positive way," Vandagriff remarked. "And the fact that you cared enough to bring them food and just say 'hello' may change their life. We are thankful for a community that supports what we are trying to do."
Mayor Clete Stogsdill let the warden and officers know how much their manpower meant to the city leaders of Savoy.
"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart," Stogsdill stated emphatically.
There were some lighter moments as well. Several of the churches and city organizations were awarded certificates for contributions to the work crews.
One man paused near Vandagriff and joked, "Y'know, this is as close as I've ever been to a warden!"
"That is probably a good thing," the Chief Warden said, flashing a smile.
Everone also took note of the many projects that still lay ahead. And the men that come to work also know that Granny will have fried chicken and banana pudding waiting.
