TWO NORFOLK PROBATION EMPLOYEES RETIRE
AFTER NEARLY 70 YEARS OF SERVICE

           Joseph Cody, a Probation Officer In Charge (POIC) at the Quincy Community Corrections Center, and Joan Rockett, a Norfolk County Superior Court Probation Officer, retired recently after working a combined total of nearly 70 years for the Massachusetts Probation Service.

           Cody, who began his career as a Suffolk Superior Court Probation Officer, first punched in November 15, 1970. Rockett, a 32-year Probation Officer, joined the service three years later on November 12, 1973. Norfolk Superior Court Probation Officers honored Cody and Rockett at a special celebration recently at American Legion Post #18 in Dedham. Cody and Rockett’s retirements were effective on June 29th and May 23rd respectively.

           Both Cody and Rockett are well-respected by their colleagues and offenders alike. Cody was known for his kind heart and easy-going manner. Rockett will be remembered for her enormous energy.

           Cody, who spent his last five years as a POIC, first entered the human services field 46 years ago having worked for the Department of Youth Services and for the old Girls Detention Center on South Huntington Avenue. He also worked with juvenile offenders at Bridgewater State Hospital.

           During his tenure as a probation employee, Cody often exceeded his job requirements. He provided baby clothes and furniture for offenders. Cody and his family even set a place at the family dinner table for offenders without family.

           Norfolk Superior Court Chief Probation Officer Ed Siudut once said of Cody, “Joe Cody is an outstanding probation officer and outstanding human being who has accomplished much in his career and has helped countless people.”

          A trained nurse and licensed social worker, Probation Officer Rockett first worked at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution Bridgewater State Hospital. Chief Siudut described Rockett, who retired at 74, as a person who is “young at heart and a joy to have around because of her contagious personality.”

           “She really cared about her probationers and wanted to help them straighten their lives out. She tried very hard to help them get their lives on track and worked closely with them. She knew their family members and significant others. She was very committed to her work and dedicated to the people,” Siudut said.