Warden honored for years of service
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BELLEFONTE -- Warden Chris Schell was recognized at this week's Centre County Commissioners Board meeting for over six years of service.
Schell began his employment at the Centre County Correctional Facility in November 2016 as a deputy warden of administration, and accepted the position of warden at the Correctional Facility in early 2017.
Schell accepted a position at the Franklin County Jail, with his last day at the prison scheduled for Jan. 26.
Schell walked into the room to receive his recognition, but he didn't arrive alone.
"I brought my team," Schell said, "Because it's not just me that needs recognition."
Schell and his team received endless praise from the commissioners, an event that Commissioner Steven Dershem said could have "gone on for ages." Everyone had nothing but positivity to offer the team.
Dershem commented on Schell's ability to keep the correctional facility afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"That was tremendous. A testimony to your ability to lead an organization. I know someone else's gain is going to be our loss, but I will say I think you're leaving our facility in pretty good shape," he said.
Chairman Mark Higgins commented on Schell's ability during COVID as well.
"You kept the facility running smoothly during COVID. There were some other wardens and correctional facilities in the state that had significant issues with that at the county level," Higgins said.
"I can't say enough how wonderful it's been to work with you. I know you have a pension for wrestling. If you ever want to come back up for a wrestling match at Penn State, please give us a call and we'll find you tickets," Dershem continued, getting a little laugh from the crowd.
Higgins also spoke on Schell's character.
"You were always there, you were always working with your team, you were always elevating your team," he said. "You were constantly engaging with dozens of different stakeholders, the prison society, CentrePeace, a broad variety of religious organizations and volunteer organizations."
Though Concepcion hasn't had much time to get to know the warden and his staff, she too offered a kind comment. Stating she's, "heard great things about the work (Shell) has done."
The kind words were kept somewhat short because, as was jokingly pointed out during the meeting, the "mushy stuff" is not Schell's favorite thing.
"We wanted to recognize you and your team for all of the marvelous things you've done over the last six years. You made huge strides at that facility," finished Higgins.
Schell and his team posed for a picture as he received his certificate at the request of the commissioners before returning to the facility.
However, though the team and Schell were no longer in the room, that didn't stop the commissioners from offering more praise for the man.
Dershem said, "We have an incredible program up there. He brought a real positive attitude to the organization and I'm really proud of him. He's going to be missed."
"He was positive, professional and uplifting," agreed Higgins.