LEXINGTON, Ky. — This week is National Correctional Officers Week, recognizing the men and women across the country working with inmates at correctional centers at a local, state and federal level.

You won’t see them on the streets, but corrections officers in Lexington and other communities play a major role in keeping the streets safe. Lexington Fayette Corrections Department officers were honored by Mayor Linda Gorton Thurday, May 9.

Chief Scott Colvin and his officers spend most of their workday behind the thick walls of the city detention center. Thursday, the officers were recognized publicly at city hall for their work.

“These men and women serve, and they love their city and it’s my job as chief to rep them to the community, to get the great deeds out from behind the thick walls," Colvin said.

It’s a 24/7 job, working with people who are facing some of the worst times of their life. Colvin said his officers are dedicated to the department’s mission and the care of inmates.

“If they’re absent of hope, these people are going to give them hope. If they need to be seen as a human being, these people will see them as a human being," Colvin said.

More than 900 inmates are housed at the correctional center at any given time. Lexington’s jail is also nationally recognized for its work in reentry.

“We take the detainee population and get them to a space that can connect them up with leaders from the community and then plan for their reentry back to their families," Colvin said.

Recognizing the unseen heroes keeping Lexington and Fayette County safer.

“I greatly appreciate the sacrifices that all of you make every day and the dedication it takes to do your job," Gorton said.

Lexington Community Corrections is hiring officers. To be an officer, you must have a high school education, be 21 years and have no major criminal offenses.