JACKSON, Mich. (AP) -- Gov. Rick Snyder followed up on a pledge to see how Michigan prisons are being run, becoming the first Michigan governor in more than 50 years to tour a state prison.
He visited the Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson Friday afternoon.
Snyder spokeswoman Geralyn Lasher says Snyder "wanted to see how a typical day might be" in a state prison. She says the last governor to tour a prison was G. Mennen "Soapy" Williams, who served from 1949-1960.
According to a release, Snyder expressed his appreciation to the facility's staff for their "constant professionalism in such a challenging work environment."
He was accompanied Friday by state Corrections Director Daniel Heyns.
Snyder mentioned his intention to visit a prison during a March address on public safety.
