Atchison named new warden at Menard

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Michael P. Atchison has been employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections since January of 1986. He was assigned to the IDOC Investigations and Intelligence Unit as the Deputy Commander of the Southern Region and Law Enforcement Liaison from October of 2000 to December 2011 and as District 4 Intelligence Coordinator from December 1999 to October 2000 with duties including the supervision and management of all southern region Intelligence Unit at separate correctional institutions. As Law Enforcement Liaison, he assisted law enforcement agencies with their investigations and provided support information, facilitated interviews with offenders and assisted in special operations. He is a 2006 graduate of the FBI National Academy 226th Session, University of Virginia, Quantico, Va. From December 1997 to December 1999 he was assigned as Internal Affairs Supervisor and Lead Institutional Investigator at Menard Correctional Center from 1991 to 1998. He has held several positions as a Lieutenant, including Shift Supervisor, Gang Intelligence Officer, Zone Lieutenant and Security Specialist.

Warden Atchison has past service as a Chester Illinois Police Commissioner. He is a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and has also served on the school board. He is also a lifelong member of local benevolent organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and Chester Eagles #3252. He is very active in community activities, organizing local 5K race, volunteering with local swim team and summer league softball. His wife is the former Denice Shields, also a lifelong resident of the community, and they have 3 daughters, Sara, Megan and Mikayla.