Clarence N. Godley, food service manager III at Maury Correctional Institution, received the prestigious John R. Larkins Award Jan. 15 during the 2017 State Employees Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in downtown Raleigh. This award is the highest civil rights honor that can be won by a state employee.
Godley, who after four years in the United States Army began his career with state government in 2002 at Craven Correctional Institution, was cited for his work ethics and selfless dedication to helping those in his community – from a fellow coworker who was unable to work to parents who needed help during Christmas to Hurricane Matthew victims.
With a ‘we can make it happen’ attitude, Godley stresses teamwork to his employees. He implemented an Employee of the Quarter for his department to boost employees’ morale and encourages them to work together to be a more efficient and effective department.
To help those in his work community, Godley spearheaded several events to raise funds to help coworkers who needed assistance. In 2014, he was notified that a fellow coworker was diagnosed with a type of cancer called Lymphoma. He worked with human resources to ensure that the coworker could focus on his treatment and recovery, and also assisted the family with modifications to the home. Furthermore, he raised money for several correctional officers who had ill family members or loss their homes from fires. Godley also assists rehabilitating inmates in Maury Correctional Institution’s Food Service Department with learning skills that they can use when with they are released.
His sense of community extends beyond Maury Correctional Institution. Following Hurricane Matthew, Godley raised money to aid the victims. He and his department also worked with Greene County Department of Social Services to sponsor a family this past Christmas. In 2016 alone, Godley raised approximately $12,700 for staff in need, employee appreciation, the sponsored family, Hurricane Matthew relief and Toys for Tots. Godley lives in Washington and also is an active member of his church.
“Godley is known for going above and beyond to help others,” said Erik A. Hooks, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety. “His passion for his community overflows to those around him. He encourages every person to work together to accomplish more. North Carolina is fortunate to have a giving, selfless and dedicated leader in one of our correctional facilities who inspires others to improve their lives and the lives of those around them.”
The John R. Larkins Award was established in 1998 to recognize human service and is presented annually at the State Employees Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance Program.
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