CHESTER - Most people think it's an overused statement when longtime public servants say they want to volunteer time to youth activities when they retire.

For warden Don Hulick of Menard Correctional Center whose last day of service with the Illinois Department of Corrections will be Wednesday, it's something that's close to his heart. He's seen and worked with people who have gone to the bottom as close as one could imagine - a prison cell - during a 20-year career with IDOC.

"It's so important to stop this behavior when they are young," Hulick said about those who commit criminal, deviant acts that land them in prison cells.

Looking at his retirement options, Hulick said he wants to get involved with youth through counseling and public speaking. He would like to extend Randy McMichael Foundation help and services to his hometown of Murphysboro. McMichael, a tight-end with the St. Louis Rams, began a foundation two years earlier with his wife, Cawanna, to promote programs that enhance the quality of life for young people through recreational and educational development.

Hulick said he is leaving the prison system as someone in the middle, who has not been too restrictive or liberal on the plight of prisoners.

"The key to my career is to be firm. But by the grace of God, I see someone sitting in that cell and realize he probably didn't have the advantages or exposure to the right things somewhere along the line," he said.

He saw it early in his law enforcement career as a city policeman in Monmouth and Galesburg, walking into family homes on responses to domestic abuse or other criminal activity.

"I'd ask myself, 'How do these children survive?'" Hulick said.

He realizes however that rehabilitation whether it's through prison or volunteer services is a two-way street.

"You don't rehabilitate anyone. You try to give them the tools so they can use it to help themselves. Some do it. Some don't," Hulick said.

Hulick worked at Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg and Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton before arriving at Menard in April 2006. He is going to miss the working relationships with his staff.

"Here at Menard, we've had total dedication from the staff. I will miss the people at this agency dearly," he said.

And the Illinois Department of Corrections is going to miss Hulick.

"During his exemplary career, warden Don Hulick has served as an outstanding leader, demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety and has set the standard for others to follow," said Illinois Department of Corrections Director Roger E. Walker Jr. "It has been a great pleasure to work with him and we all wish him the very best."

scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com

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