The state Department of Corrections released this biography of slain corrections officer Jayme Biendl in advance of the memorial service for her Tuesday:
“Jayme Biendl was born on February 6, 1976, the oldest of six children. She is survived by her parents, James and Jackie Hamm and her three
sisters and two brothers, Lisa, Christine, James Jr., Deborah and Wade and their spouses Paul Crosby and Edie Hamm.
“Jayme grew up in Granite Falls, Washington and is remembered as a being a quiet generous human being who loved her family and horses. Following high school, Jamie married her high school sweet heart, John Biendl and the two worked together at Biendl Poultry. After almost five years of marriage, John and Jayme divorced.”Jayme worked a couple of different jobs before accepting a warehouse worker 2 position with the Monroe Correctional Complex in December 2002. Jayme wowed her supervisor’s with her “excellent work ethics, communication skills, good organizational skills and pleasant demeanor.”
“Jayme made it clear to her supervisors and coworkers that she was eager to learn as much as possible about the prison experience and expressed a desire to promote. Four months after accepting the warehouse worker 2 position, Jayme applied for a Correctional Officer 1 position. Jayme’s supervisor’s described Jayme as “an excellent team member with a willingness to serve as part of the team and that she would be a great asset serving as a Correctional Officer.” Two months later, May 2003, Jayme was notified that she had been awarded a temporary appointment as a Correctional Officer 1 at the Washington State Reformatory Unit. In July 2003, Jayme received notification of her permanent appointment as Correctional Officer 1.
“Jayme took every opportunity to learn about the prison experience. She trained and worked as a relief officer, and in 2005 she was awarded the position of the Washington State Reformatory Unit’s Chapel Officer. Jayme continued to impress her supervisors. She was noted as “always being in a positive mood which boosted the morale of the shift; she provided good ideas; was great at multi-tasking and organization of her work; and she respected her fellow officers.” It was suggested that she consider working as an instructor because she would have ‘positive influence on new staff entering DOC.’
“In 2008, Jayme was nominated Correctional Officer of the Year. Jayme’s peers nominated her in recognition of her integrity, professionalism, pride, and consistency that all correctional officers should exhibit and strive for. ‘Jayme is a highly motivated individual that ensures that the goals and the mission of the Department are maintained. Her sense of humor coupled with her sense of responsibility and duty contribute greatly to staff morale. Jayme is a positive role model which others should emulate.’
“During her employment with the Department of Corrections, Jayme received several letters of appreciation that outlined her success in meeting and going beyond the key competencies excepted. In January 2009, Jayme was recognized for her prompt response, competency, and integrity following an offender assault in the A/B dining hall during the dinner meal. Again, Monroe Correctional Complex acknowledged how fortunate we are for have Jayme on our team.
“Jayme described herself as being ‘…firm, fair and consistent…and not easily intimidated.’ Jayme became a correctional officer because ‘…it’s a job that pays well and has growth opportunity.’ When asked what she likes about the job she is noted as saying, ‘What I like about this job is it’s interesting. You don’t know what to expect, there’s always something going on.’
“On January 29, 2011, Monroe Correctional Complex, the Washington State Department of Corrections, and the residents of Washington State lost a beloved daughter, sister, friend and peer. Jayme will be missed.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
