Local 1298 Executive Board

President

President Gregory E. Watts Jr

I played college football at a small school in California then served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm through my 8 year commitment to the United States Marine Corps. I joined the Bureau in 1993 then joined the Special Operations Response Team in 1994. While on the Tactical Team, I held the positions of Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader, Squad Leader, Tactical Trainer, National Rappel Master and Firearms Instructor. I was activated and deployed numerous times throughout my tenure to include instructing on a National Level.

I joined the Local Union in 1994 and since then I have held the Elected Positions of Sergeant at Arms, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and President. I have participated in Local and National Negotiations, Arbitrations, Disciplinary Processes, assisted in writing Post Orders/Institutional Supplements, officiated Local Union meetings, and chaired the Union Local Labor Management Relations Meetings. I have also been privileged to travel to Washington D.C. to talk to Congress about Bureau funding, Staffing levels, need of pay raises, need for pepper spray and asking for support for various Bills (Eric’s Law HR 3980, Thin Blue Line Act HR 99).

I have participated in round table discussion with House of Representatives and the Senate about the Government shutdown and other issues to include reaching out to the media. Local 1298 settled an arbitration in February 2022 for 3 million dollars. I have 5 kids (2 Girls/3 Boys), 6 grand kids, 2 sisters and 2 brothers. I have participated in all departmental monthly meetings to include working closely with the Warden and his Executive Staff on a weekly basis. I became active in the Bureau of Prisons with the SORT Team and the Union simultaneous because I truly wanted to continue to be part of a Brotherhood and Sisterhood, and I wanted to dedicate myself to the Agency and the Union, In Unity.

Vice President

Vice President Michael Eglinsdoerfer

I began my career with the BOP in 1999 at FMC Fort Worth as a Correctional Officer. After working at FCC Beaumont for several years, I transferred back to FMC Fort Worth as a Correctional Officer in 2007. In later years, I promoted to correctional systems officer in 2009 and Correctional Counselor in 2014, which is my current position. During my career, I have been a member of the Disturbance and Control team for over 20 years. I have been a union member since my initial weeks on the job. I was a steward at FMC Fort Worth for many years before I transferred to FCC Beaumont. Recently, I have become more involved with our Union and was elected in December as the 2nd Vice President of Local 1298 for the 2022-2024 term, and once again elected as 1st Vice President for the 2024-2026 term.

FMC Fort Worth a better place to work for all.

2nd Vice President

2nd Vice President Victor Brown

Southern country guy. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Enjoy spending my time away from work with my family and love outdoor grilling, also listening to old school R&B and smooth Jazz.

Began my law enforcement career in 2010 with Louisiana State Dept. of Corrections, in 2016, I moved to the Great State of Texas, joined Tarrant County Sheriff's Office Detention Division. Later with the Federal Bureau in 2019 at FMC Fort Worth, it's been a great fulfilled journey ever since. Became a Union Member right away, since I've started. I heard and seen nothing but great things from the Local. I decided to become a Union Steward to learn the specifics of our agency, also to help and educate myself along with my fellow co-workers when needed.

October 2022, I was appointed as Sergeant at Arms for Local 1298. I look forward to being that leader I was destined to be, to assist the Local. Given the nickname "Hard Charger", by my Union President, I'm gone do the best to my ability to make sure the membership know their rights and are treated fairly. Fast forward, currently I'm the 2nd Vice President of Local 1298 and ready to tackle any challenges that may come our way.

Chief Steward

Joshua Wrich

...pending updates...

Secretary

Celina Ortiz

I began my career with the BOP in October of 2019 as a correctional officer. Prior to coming into the Bureau I worked for the jail at the Irving Police department as well as a detention officer for a juvenile facility.

In my free time I love to play softball and hang out with family. I love all different genres of music and enjoy all different types of food.

In 2024, I was voted into the position of Secretary. I love my job and continue to contribute to the Bureau by having five (5) collateral duties. Union, CTO, Self defense instructor, Employees Club, DCT.

I will be in my position of Secretary for the next two years.

Sergeant at Arms

Jaime Diaz

...pending updates...

Treasurer

Chance Adams

I started my career with the BOP in 2012 at FCC Beaumont working as a correctional officer. Since then I have worked at FCI Danbury, FCI Berlin, AUSP Thompson, FCI Big Spring and now FMC Fort Worth. My current position is IT Specialist here at FMC Fort Worth. I have been a member on multiple crisis negotiation teams and I have been on multiple e-boards. I have always been active in standing up and fighting for a fair workplace to help make the bureau a better place.

Local 1298 Stewards