TDCJ - J.W. Hamilton Unit

🎉 🎊 Victim Impact Celebration 🎉 🎊

Hamilton Unit successfully hosted our Victim Impact Celebration on June 26, 2026. A total of 120 residents completed the 10‑week Department of Justice Victim Impact Listen and Learn Course, which focuses on understanding victims, the ripple effect of crime, the reality that there is no such thing as a victimless offense, and the importance of personal accountability facilitated by Recovery Peer Support Specialist S. Flynn.

This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment of our residents, as well as the dedication of the staff who continue to support and guide them through the program.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Warden Po***ck, Warden Snelson, Director Canul, Ms. Handcock, Ms. Collier, Ms. Duncan and Mr. McFetridge for their leadership, involvement, and continued support of this impactful initiative.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this celebration meaningful and successful.

📣 📣 HAMILTON UNIT SPOTLIGHT 📣 📣

Please join us in congratulating Lawona Hawkins on her promotion to Major of Corrections. She brings 22 years of dedicated service to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, with 16 of those years proudly served here at the Hamilton Unit. Her commitment, leadership, and professionalism have greatly contributed to our team’s success.

Congratulations, Major Hawkins!

🚌 Hamilton Units Annual Back to School Drive 🚌

Staff helping our own!

This year 40 kiddos from our unit will be receiving back to school supplies, thanks to the our amazing staff.

Ms. Mack and Ms. Heslip brought it all to life by putting all these wonderful goodies together for our kids! Thank you ladies, and to all who donated to make this event such a success this year!

⭐️ The J.W. Hamilton Unit was full of energy and excitement on August 1, 2026, as teams competed in this year’s basketball tournament. After a full day of spirited play, teamwork, and determination, Team A1 emerged as the champions, earning well‑deserved recognition for their performance.

The tournament wasn’t just about winning games—it served as an opportunity for participants to build character, strengthen communication, and learn the value of working together toward a shared goal. Players demonstrated resilience, sportsmanship, and respect throughout each matchup, reflecting the positive impact that structured recreational activities have within the unit.

Congratulations to “The Ballers”, for winning it all, and 2nd place B2 “True NBA” thank you to every players, staff member, and supporter who contributed to making the event successful.

🌱🍅🌻Hamilton Garden is Growing Strong! 🌱🍅🌻

The J.W. Hamilton Garden is thriving with a wonderful variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables! From fragrant herbs and fresh greens to colorful vegetables and developing fruits, every plant is a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining this beautiful space.

Gardens like ours not only provide fresh, healthy produce but also create opportunities for learning, community involvement, and appreciation for nature. It's exciting to watch the garden grow and see the progress throughout the season.

Thank you to everyone who helps plant, water, w**d, and care for the garden. Your efforts are making a difference and helping create something special for all to enjoy!

🌱What's growing in your garden?🌱

The J.W. Hamilton Unit along with Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin and CID Director Eric Guerrero was honored to welcome Texas Representative Paul Dyson for a special visit to our facility.

During the visit, Representative Dyson toured the unit and received an overview of daily operations, rehabilitation programs, and current initiatives focused on supporting both staff and inmates. The visit also provided an opportunity to highlight the ongoing efforts and commitment of our team in carrying out the mission of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

During the visit, Senior Correctional Officer Polk was also presented with his 35-Year Service Certificate from the Texas Board of Criminal Justice by Mr. Lumpkin and Mr. Guerrero, honoring his many years of dedicated service and commitment to the agency.

We appreciate the opportunity to showcase the professionalism, hard work, and dedication of the Hamilton Unit staff. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make a positive impact each day.

Congratulations to Susan Gunnels on her promotion to Deputy Division Director for the Administrative Review and Risk Management Division! 👩‍💼🌟

Her 18-year TDCJ journey spans roles across human resources, staff and family services and the Office of the Independent Ombudsman.

Gunnels has guided major efforts including the IMPACT Consortium, 2030 Plan and Family Liaison Coordinators. 📈

Her dedication continues to strengthen initiatives and support staff across Texas! 🙌

🇺🇸The J.W. Hamilton Unit honors and remembers the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice protects the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we are deeply grateful for their courage, dedication, and commitment.

On this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect, to honor their legacy, and to keep their families and loved ones in our thoughts.

We remember. We honor. We thank them.

🏅Hamilton Unit Time in Service Awards🏅

We proudly recognize the dedication, professionalism, and years of service of the men and women of the JW Hamilton Unit. Your commitment to duty, teamwork, and public service does not go unnoticed.

Each year of service represents sacrifice, perseverance, and a continued dedication to keeping our facility and community safe. Thank you for the hard work you put in every single day.

Congratulations!!!

Senior Correctional Officer Merriwrather 25 years of service

Senior Correctional Officer Etuk 10 years of service

Correctional Officer III Johnson 5 years of service.

Correctional Officer III Otto 5 years of service.

👏Thank you for your service and commitment to excellence.

Congratulations to Timothy Fitzpatrick for being promoted to Deputy Division Director of the Classification and Inmate Transportation Division! His TDCJ career began in 2005 and includes roles from Correctional Officer to Senior Warden. 🌟

He's built a legacy receiving the Governors Administrator of the Year Award and serving on statewide professional boards. Now he's excited to support staff, modernize processes, and strengthen efforts to humanize corrections while protecting Texans. 📈🛡️

Fitzpatrick is committed to leading with courage, guided by his faith to treat everyone with dignity! 🙌