Security staff members at Delaware Correctional Center soon will wear a new uniform patch, designed with pride in mind.

Correctional officer Hector Baez Ortiz designed the new patch - a blue shield, American flag and the words "dedication commitment and courage" - for an employee contest sponsored by the diversity committee of the prison near Smyrna.

Diversity committee member Lt. Benton Garrison said the group dreamed up the patch contest while brainstorming for ways to build pride among about 650 security employees at the state's largest prison.

"Diversity is not just a black and white thing," department spokeswoman Beth Welch said. "It's making sure that every employee is valued."

Baez Ortiz, a 30-year-old Dover resident who said he dreamed of a law enforcement career as a child in Puerto Rico, moved to Delaware seven years ago and has worked as a correctional officer for the last three.

The self-taught computer graphic artist did several patch designs. His wife, Sherry, said she and her daughters Jenea, 18, and Kristi, 14, helped him pick the one to submit.

Diversity committee members who reviewed about two dozen entries were impressed with the family's choice. Garrison said, "They pointed right at it and said, 'That one.' It stood out among the rest."

Baez Ortiz said he is happy that he could make a lasting contribution to the state.

"I will always be proud that my patch will be worn on the arms of officers here at DCC for many years to come," he said.

Baez Ortiz said he designed his patch thinking of the job's heritage and the characteristics of those who wear the uniform.

He said he did not have to look beyond his colleagues correctional officer John Langiu and Staff Lt. Bernard Williams for the words he would put on his patch.

"They show dedication, commitment, courage," he said. "Every day."

Corrections officials said they do not know the cost of the fabric patches, expected to be stitched onto the right shoulders of uniforms later this year.

"Currently, we're having samples made," Welch said, adding that bids will be taken for making the patches. The design is being used on stationery, Garrison said, adding, "We're also going to do pins."

Warden Tom Carroll, who gave Baez Ortiz a plaque commemorating his design's selection, said the contest shows that an individual can make a positive difference in the workplace.

The diversity committee member liked Baez Ortiz's design so much, he joked, "Now the other institutions will be jealous of us. ... I might tattoo the patch on my arm."

Reach robin brown at 324-2856 or rbrown@delawareonline.com.