The International Association of Correctional Training Personnel announced that Don T.D. Gala, Ph.D., a resident of Hixson, received the IACTP President’s Award during the 2014 IACTP 30th International Conference that was held in Phoenix, Az. during the first week of October.
Dr. Gala was recognized for his determination in the different roles he served that set
high and exacting standards of excellence. He was recognized for spending hundreds of hours
in developing the processes for the IACTP and American Jail Association Correctional Trainer
Certification, and he spent seven years on the Correctional Trainer Certification Commission.
Prior to leaving the Commission as the Co-Chair, Dr. Gala ensured that the re-certification
process was developed. During his tenure on the Board of Directors, he was instrumental in
pursuing non-profit status with the IRS and worked to maintain their corporate
status.
Further, Dr. Gala was recognized for his publications in the IACTP journal, the
Correctional Trainer, and his many presentations during the past held IACTP conferences. Mr.
Perdue further stated that Dr. Gala’s “meritorious and superlative devotion to duty was truly
commendable” and … brought “great credit” upon himself and the IACTP.
The award was presented by the IACTP President, Randy Perdue. Mr. Perdue is presently the
Director of the Corrections Training Academy for the West Virginia Department of Corrections
and is a military veteran, retired First Sergeant of the U.S. Marine Corps.