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Warden of Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution Retires
By Wyoming Department of Corrections
Published: 06/29/2016

Torrington – The Wyoming Department of Corrections bid a fond farewell to Warden Steve Hargett, a veteran in the field of corrections for nearly 43 years, upon his retirement from the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI) in Torrington, Wyoming.

Hargett came to Wyoming in 2008 and was Warden of the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp (WHCC) in Newcastle for three years before assuming the warden position at WMCI.

During his tenure at WMCI and WHCC Hargett made numerous significant contributions in the areas of facility safety, physical plant operations and budget accountability. He was highly instrumental in helping both facilities become accredited with the American Correctional Association (ACA). In addition, he was pivotal in creating a wellness program that earned a “Best Practices” award from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

Hargett was known for his hands on approach and was well regarded by both staff and inmates in Wyoming. “This business is all about people- our inmates and our staff” he would often remind people. “We have a responsibility as employees to do everything we can in our organization to make it the safest organization for staff to work in and the safest organization for inmates to live in”.

Hargett began his illustrious career in 1973 in his home state of Mississippi. He entered corrections as a correctional officer and quickly rose through positions of increasing leadership responsibility to Superintendent (Warden) in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. From 1978 until 2000 he served as a Warden in the departments of corrections for the States of Mississippi, Arizona and Oklahoma. In 2000, Warden Hargett began employment in the private corrections sector, where he served as a warden in both Colorado and New Mexico. He also served as Vice President of Operations for GRW Corporation for Colorado, Missouri and Kansas overseeing two privately operated prisons and a city jail.

Warden Hargett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Delta State University in Mississippi. He is a long standing member of ACA and is a certified auditor and Correctional Executive with that organization. He has also been a member of the West Central Wardens and Superintendents Association.

A retirement celebration was held at WMCI on May 26, 2016 to acknowledge Warden Hargett’s dedication and hard work in the field of corrections. Hargett’s farewell advice to staff was to keep believing that people can change, and to keep giving inmates opportunities that will help them go on and have a better life.

Warden Hargett and his wife Donna plan on moving to Florida. A new warden at WMCI has yet to be announced.


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