2017
Department of Justice and Public Safety

Barbara Kennedy has provided almost three decades of exemplary service as a Correctional Officer in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since starting as a matron at the St. John's City Lockup, at a time when the field of corrections was dominated by males, Barbara has progressed in her career to become a highly respected professional who is sought for advice and guidance in an environment that is often challenging and stressful.

While working at Her Majesty's Penitentiary, Barbara recognized that staff morale needed a boost and took it upon herself to start a regular staff weekend lunch. On her own time, she picks up the necessary groceries and prepares a wonderful meal and desserts for staff working weekend shifts. Her colleagues say that her selfless gestures have had a positive impact on their workplace, sense of community and family.

As sergeant, Barbara acts as a liaison between staff, offenders, pastoral care, community agencies and management. She is always professional and works hard to juggle the daily responsibilities of ensuring necessary duties are carried out, staff are supported, and offender needs are heard and passed along to management. Her ability to resolve crises and stressful situations that often arise in prison settings is well known among staff and offenders.

Barbara was one of the pioneers of women in corrections and is currently the longest consecutively serving female sergeant in provincial corrections. As a senior correctional officer, Barbara is looked upon as a role model for new officers coming into the job and is an invaluable source of knowledge.