Drumheller’s Tracey Farmer has risen through the ranks and has been installed as Warden at Bowden Institution.
He officially received his appointment on Monday, November 7 at a ceremony at Bowden, succeeding Warden David Pelham.
He was surrounded by family, colleagues and friends, including his 93-year-old grandmother Mary Rebus and brother Jeffery who came from Denver for the ceremony. The role comes with trust and responsibility.
“I lead a team responsible for the safety of the public, staff and offenders at the Institution, participating in Prairie Regional leadership table, contributing to public safety through my work and the work of the Service,” said Farmer. “I have face-to-face contact with everyone from inmates and staff to community partners, colleagues in CSC and law enforcement community and community partners such as Citizens Advisory Committee. I have a lot of responsibilities but have a great team supporting me at Bowden.”
Raised in the valley, Farmer began his career in Drumheller in 1992 as a correctional officer (CX-I). He quickly became a member of the Institutional Emergency Response Team and eventually became the coordinator. He worked his way to up to CX-IV before taking on the roles of assistant warden operation, deputy and acting warden.
He also worked in professional development.
“I became a National facilitator for the Correctional Managers Training Program. I also assisted in the development and implementation of the Institutional Emergency Management Program. I have now taken on the role of Crisis Management facilitator,” said Farmer.
For his work he has been awarded the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal and Bar.
In his 24-year career, it’s the people that made it special. “I like the day to day interactions with staff, offenders and the public and the opportunity to effect positive change in people’s lives,” Farmer said.
