Heading section
On Tuesday, October 26th, 2021, several individuals who have demonstrated dedication and excellence in the corrections profession throughout their careers were recognized during the Awards Ceremony for the JAILCON21 National Online Corrections Training Conference.
NIJO Executive Director, Tate McCotter, presented awards to the recipients of the JAILCON21 National Online Corrections Professionals Awards. McCotter also recognized agencies and individuals for earning NIJO National Accreditation and Professional Certification.
NIJO wishes to extend our congratulations to the following award recipients.
OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Corrections Deputy Ashton Merando Crawford County Sheriff's Office, KS
Awarded to a Certified Detention Officer, without regard to years in service, who has exhibited professionalism and dedication to the Office and the community during the past year.
Officer Ashton Merando has been a Corrections Officer for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in Kansas for over 3 years. She has shown her willingness to do whatever is needed for this Office. She excels at her job and is not afraid to work and will work whenever she is needed and jumps at the opportunity to learn and do more. She recently, without hesitation, switched to a different shift that in no way benefited her, but benefited the jail staff as a whole. She will always ask what we need done or what she can do to help. She has shown her commitment to the Sheriff's Office and her value as an employee.
Congratulations Deputy Ashton Merando!HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Corey Hanley Barrow County Sheriff's Office, GA
Awarded to the Detention Center medical staff member who set the bar for jail medical programs and best represents the overall spirit of professionalism, caring, and dedication. This award is submitted by peer nominations from medical or detention staff members.
When the facility made the decision to transition to a new medical service provider, Cory made the decision to stay on-board with the detention center and join the team being formed by the new provider, walking away from a recent promotion and new career opportunities with the former provider. He did this because of his dedication to our detention center and the desire to remain a part of our family. By making the decision to remain onboard, Cory significantly reduced many of the problematic logistical situations that typically occur in a transition of this nature all while showing outstanding leadership and morale in the process.
Cory is also well liked and well respected by the staff of the facility. Due to this, it is extremely rare to encounter situations of distrust or animosity between the security staff and the members of the nursing staff.
Congratulations Corey Hanley!SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR
Sergeant Donnell Carter Mobile County Sheriff's Office, AL
Awarded to Certified Detention Officers serving in a supervisory capacity who excel in their positions and are highly regarded by their staff for their consistent leadership, integrity, understanding and support, both professionally and personally, during the past year.
Due to the untimely retirement of his reassigned Shift Commander, Sgt. Carter distinguished himself by going beyond the call of duty by humbly receiving the responsibility as Acting Shift Commander. Sgt. Carter supervises over 40-50 staff members daily. Under Sgt. Carter's leadership, employee retention has been retained within his shift by recognition of Corrections Staff's achievements by voicing affirmations, team spirit and/or other morale boosters. Sgt. Carter efficiently reassured the Daily Work Assignments was completed in its entirety to staff the Corrections Facility to continue the Operations of Security. There were cases when additional Corrections Sergeants were assigned to his shift, but sometimes, Sgt. Carter was the only Security Supervisor for the entire Mobile County Metro Jail because of employee shortfall due to vacation, sick , CT, etc.
Sergeant Carter also diligently embraces numerous employee call outs due to some employees, employee family member, etc. contracting COVID-19 and their adherence to health regulation requirements. Sgt. Carter conducts impromptu training sessions with his team, investigates complaints and rule infractions, responds to emergency incidents (medical, inmates refusing to lock down, attempt suicides, fights, etc.), investigates and receives inmate complaints via Jail ATM, grievances, completes security checks throughout the facility and/or buildings, documents and submits a Daily Shift Commander Activity Report, and much more.
Congratulations Sergeant Carter!DETENTION ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Jail Commander Ed Roach Parke County Sheriff's Office, IN
This award recognizes detention administrators who have shown exemplary leadership and contributed to the improvement of the jail environment positively for enhanced safety, security, and custody to benefit overall jail operations, officers, staff, inmates, and the general public.
Jail Commander for 15 years, Ed Roach has many attributes, much knowledge of this career and truly has a passion for it and for others to exceed in this field.
“I am currently a jail sergeant under Ed Roach, and I am thankful for his guidance and mentorship. He is truly fair and consistent when it comes to inmate issues and also employee issues.”
Ed could have retired years ago but has chose to remain working as Jail Commander due to his passion and drive. He strives to remain in good physical shape by bicycling 30-40 miles each morning before the start of his day so that he is still physically able to do his job.
We are a small department and fight keeping employees due to low pay and no overtime. Ed’s plate is already full each and every day but he still drops everything to come in to work when needed or when short handed to fill in a shift if other jail officers are unavailable.DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD (aka Overworked and Underpaid Award)
The "Dedication to Excellence" Award is awarded to a detention officer, supervisor, or administrator who in the past year has gone above and beyond normal expectations by working extra hours, making extra effort to ensure the safety and security of staff members, inmates, and the general public.Corporal Valerie Bryant Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, TX
We received 5 nominations for the recipient of the Dedication to Excellence Award! Suffice it to say that Corporal Valerie Bryant is the epitome of being dedicated to excellence!
DISTINGUISHED VALOR
Corrections Deputy Aaron Grace Roscommon County Sheriff's Office, MI
Typically this awarded goes to a detention officer, supervisor, or administrator who has put it all on the line, by either voluntarily risking his/her own personal safety to heroically serve and protect or who has made critical decisions or has taken preventive actions that ensured the safety and security of staff, inmates and the general public. Normally, we think of the big time events that take place and miraculous events that take incredible courage and valor, and yet, when this nomination came in, it stood out because it exemplifies that sometimes small and simple acts of valor are just as important, particularly to those that they affect.
On July 11th, 2021 a dispatcher came across the radio saying there was an EMS call in the parking lot of the Sheriff Department with a male patient having an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
Officer Grace grabbed the epi pen that was at station two of the jail and started responding towards station three then to the parking lot. While going to station three Cpl. Frydrych radioed to Officer Grace to come to station three to assist him and Officer Grace responded he was already on his way. Upon entering station three, Cpl. Frydrych was asking for assistance locating an epi pen. Officer Grace informed him he already had one with him.
Officer Grace could see visible hives all over the patient’s neck, back and leg areas. At approximately 14:47 Officer Grace administered (1) EpiPen to the passengers right mid-thigh area. Officer Grace’s quick thinking and actions saved this individual in a matter of seconds. Officer Grace is 39 years old, married to wife Nicole and has two daughters Audrey and Eleanor. He has been with our department for 14 years, is also on Higgins Township Fire Department as assistant fire chief/EMS Coordinator for 21 years as well as Denton Township for over 8 years as an EMT. Officer Grace professionalism and dedication is a true asset to our department as well as the others he so valiantly serves.
Congratulations and thank you for your life-saving actions, Deputy Grace!
NIJO PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
The National Institute for Jail Operations developed the Professional Certification Program in response to the need to provide a respected national certification for individuals looking for a process that involved legal-based curriculum by an organization which supports and defends their agencies’ worthy goals and objectives. NIJO Professional Certification is a professional designation - earned not issued - for jail and detention officers, supervisors, administrators and sheriffs who have demonstrated to possess the requisite understanding, knowledge, skills, experience and abilities to function to a specific level. Achieving NIJO Certification is a significant accomplishment and reflects intense training, effort, experience and comprehension proving that an individual confidently knows and can follow clearly established laws and procedures in fulfilling his or her duties within a correctional facility.
National Certified Corrections Executive (NCCE) Certification was awarded to the following individuals:
Heading section
Lieutenant Tammy Waddell
Limestone County Sheriff's Office, AL
Lieutenant Brad Fetner
Livingston County Sheriff's Office, MI
Lieutenant Tarneseia Pringle
Livingston County Sheriff's Office, MI
Heading section
Heading section
James Chipp
Box Elder County Sheriff's Office, UT
Scott Hargis
Duchesne County Sheriff's Office, UT
Heading section
Heading section
National Certified Corrections Supervisor (NCCS) Certification was awarded to the following individuals:
Colorado
Shawn Patrick French Montezuma County Sheriff's Office Deputy Isaiah R. Begayne JohnsonMontezuma County Sheriff's Office
Kansas
Joseph Norman Brill III Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Victor Burr Coffey County Sheriff's OfficeMichigan
Sergeant Heather L. Mitcavish Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Deputy J. Wood Grand Traverse County Sheriff's OfficeMissouri
George Gresham Boone County Sheriff's Office Stephanie Kopp Boone County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Christie McCaleb Boone County Sheriff's Office Trevor Murphy Boone County Sheriff's Office Eric Tobben Boone County Sheriff's OfficeSouth Carolina
Sergeant Scott R. McDermott Lexington County Sheriff's OfficeUtah
Sandra Barfuss Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Dale F. Bingham Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kendell Hyer Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Amber L. Jones Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Zachary Miller Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Corporal Dave Nicholls Box Elder County Sheriff's Office J. Kevin Ward Box Elder County Sheriff's OfficeHeading section
National Certified Corrections Officer (NCCO) Certification was awarded to the following individuals:
Alabama
Lieutenant Latonya Chames Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Cassady Coleman Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Cody Davis Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Falon C. Hurst Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Michael McCaffrey Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Kimberly Mears Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Lynde Meeder Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Jordan Shekels Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Skyler Smith Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Captain Eric Starr Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Jordan Zarouali Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Latonya Chames Calhoun County Sheriff's OfficeArizona
Ronnie Calton La Paz County Sheriff's OfficeColorado
Heather Lanus Montezuma County Sheriff's Office Deputy Heather Stowe Montezuma County Sheriff's OfficeGeorgia
Detention Supervisor Kimberly Funderberg Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Deputy Sheriff Pamela Michele Vash Forsyth County Sheriff's OfficeKansas
Bryan V. Gentet Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Samantha Hinkle Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Kyle Hunt Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Connie Jaderborg Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Lisa Marie Sawyer Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Connie E. Timbrook Dickinson County Sheriff's OfficeMichigan
Todd Harger Kalkaska County Sheriff's OfficeUtah
Deputy C. Buckley Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Stacie Chatterton Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Corporal Zachary Harris Box Elder County Sheriff's Office Joshua H. Christensen Duchesne County Sheriff's Office Paula J. Gilbert Duchesne County Sheriff's Office Deputy C. Woodhouse Duchesne County Sheriff's Office Logan Monsen Uintah County Sheriff's OfficeHeading section
NIJO ACCREDITATION
NIJO Accreditation is an established process for correctional administrators to verify and be recognized nationally as compliant to what the law requires to run a constitutionally safe facility. As the only such accreditation in the country, NIJO promulgates over 600 Legal-Based GuidelinesTM specific to each state, to ensure that detention and correctional facilities comply with current legal requirements applicable to each state, circuit court and federal rulings and statutes. Achieving accreditation is not a walk in the park. It requires legal-based policies and procedures, documentation and consistency on all levels.NIJO is pleased to recognize three agencies that have achieved Accreditation or have repeated their accreditation cycle.
Pennington County Sheriff's Office, SD
We would like to congratulate and recognize Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota. Led by Commander Rob Yantis, this amazing team and facility worked diligently and furiously to update their policies and procedures to what the law requires to achieve a Level I Accreditation status, the highest NIJO Accreditation status available. Congratulations on all your hard work and well-earned accreditation Pennington County Jail!
s enjoyed Brandon's charisma and enthusiasm as he shared stories of his life as a conservative Black American, his love of our country, and his appreciation for the heroes that work in law enforcement and corrections.
Barry Cooper Jr. has been on staff for slightly less than two years. During his time on staff, he has proved to be an exemplary and creative employee. Sergeant Cooper performs all jail investigations and has been instrumental in helping to build criminal cases against several inmates. He is an excellent report writer and is a certified instructor in several disciplines including Taser, OC spray, pepper ball and defensive tactics. He now functions as the primary trainer for our jail personnel.
Sergeant Cooper has a calm demeanor, works closely with his supervisors and is currently being considered as the future Chief of Corrections when I retire in about two years. I see a very bright future for him in corrections as he continues to develop as a leader. He has quickly gained the confidence of our Sheriff and his administrative staff. Barry is a man of integrity and highly deserving of this recognition." -- Chief Deputy Mike Haley, Washington Parish Sheriff's Office (LA)
"Nurse Charlotte Turner has been the leader of the contracted medical unit in the Morgan County Jail since 2013. Though we have changed medical providers in that time, we made it clear that we wanted Charlotte to stay on with the new company. Her contributions to our facility have been immeasurable, as well as her ability and drive to maintain a comprehensive medical unit. Nurse Charlotte cares as much about our facility as anyone and works tirelessly to ensure inmates are provided the best healthcare they can receive.
In early 2020, when the COVID pandemic was in the infant stages, Nurse Charlotte wisely instituted procedures in our facility to proactively reduce the chances of COVID making it inside. She worked closely and tirelessly with jail and Sheriff’s Office leadership to institute new protocols for daily operations that would protect our inmates. She fervently stayed on top of the latest research and practices, more times than not, suggesting protocols that would later come to light as CDC guidelines. With Nurse Charlotte’s efforts and leadership, our facility made it through the peak of the pandemic with ZERO inmate cases of COVID-19.
Aside from being an outstanding advocate for the health and well-being of our inmate population, Charlotte has become a member of our MCSO family. She has never hesitated to put the best interest of others aside to make sure that inmates received the care needed, to maintain the standard of care expected, and promote positivity among staff and fellow nurses. Charlotte is often the defacto advise giver for much of our jail staff when ailments arise. I myself have even found myself suffering from a sudden on-set virus and the first person I called was Charlotte. We are proud to tell everyone about our medical department and the innovations that have gone from thought to reality because of Nurse Charlotte. There is no one more deserving of recognition for her efforts in the medical field of Corrections." -- Aaron Dawson, Warden, Morgan County Sheriff's Office (AL)
"In 2019, Chief Matt Cooper became a member of my command staff to run a jail that was left by the former administration in chaos. The inmates were practically running the jail. I needed someone to come in and implement new procedures and policy and take command of the jail. And that person was Matt Cooper.
Matt has used his prior experience in jail management to take charge of a jail that was is despair and turn it around. He has worked at all levels in corrections and has developed leadership skills to gain compliance from inmates. Also, he is well respected by those he supervises.
When my administration began, the jail had sixteen hours a day healthcare through the week, and twelve hours on the weekends. Matt help develop a plan to implement 24 hour, 7 days a week healthcare for this jail. This help cut down on medical costs and unnecessary emergency room visits.
By implementing a new healthcare policy, this put the jail and the sheriff's in excellent shape to handle the unknown, COVID-19. The healthcare staff was instrumental in adopting and adhere to CDC guidelines for inmates and employees. Chief Cooper developed new booking policies, develop procedures to minimize face to face contact in the jail, work with other agencies on inmate admissions, developing a cleaning schedule of the jail, and help to find ways to use Cares Act money to purchase a body scanner with thermal heat detection (fevers). Because of this, we have only had one positive case in the jail inmate population to date." -- Sheriff Phil Sims, Marshall County (AL)
"On May 14, 2021 Morgan County Corrections Officer Catherine Ann Evans was serving dinner to the inmates in her assigned housing unit. While serving meals to inmates in the Bravo-3 housing unit, she was approached by an inmate inquiring about a privilege given to the inmates that they had not receive. Officer Evans explained to the inmate that the privilege was not taken away but would not be given immediately. The inmate became irate towards Officer Evans, she instructed him to back away, and the inmate struck her unexpectedly to the right side of her face rendering her nearly unconscious. Officer Evans had the fortitude to fight through the pain and request assistance over the jail radio systems. Once help arrived, Officer Evans was taken to medical to be evaluated by nursing staff. The medical staff suggested that Officer Evans be sent to the Emergency room, at which time she began to argue that she wouldn’t let this situation keep her from her job. Only after being ordered by her Shift Sergeant to go to the hospital did she agree. Upon being evaluated at the hospital, it was discovered that Officer Evans had suffered a concussion, severe facial lacerations, contusions, broken and misaligned teeth, and deep bruising to her cheek, orbital, and jaw bones. Even with these injuries, Officer Evans argued with medical personnel that she wanted to return to work immediately. Against her desires, Officer Evans heeded medical advice and was out of work for nearly three weeks recovering. Upon her follow up appointment with her care providers, she demanded to be allowed to return to work, when asked by her Supervisors as to why, she stated “There is no way I’m going to let this change the way I do my job, I want to get back and show them that they can’t get to me.” Upon returning to work, Officer Evans did just that. Her first act upon returning was to make a walk about the whole facility and dispel the rumors that had spread through inmate.com that she would not be returning. A moment of true valor and resilience for a Corrections Officer who had experienced one of the worst situations you could face in our profession.
Officer Evans is looked upon as a mother or grandmother figure to many of her co-workers. She stated many times throughout her recovery that she could not wait to return to her family. There is no better or more deserving person for this type of recognition than Catherine Ann (Cathy Ann) Evans." -- Aaron Dawson, Warden, Morgan County Sheriff's Office (AL)
"Our county does not pay overtime, so all employees earn comp time for extra hours worked. We are one of the lowest paid counties in terms of salaries for jail staff. Due to our history of low pay and the current climate, we have been struggling to maintain a full staff of jail officers for years. We also have always struggled with being able to get off duty jail officers to volunteer to come in when short staffed due to their being no extra financial
compensation. Jason Hutson has always set the bar for dropping everything and answering the call when we are short staffed or a medical emergency arises in the jail and we need extra officers to help transport, cover a shift, sit in the hospital, etc. Jason always answers his phone, has never complained or tried to make excuses and is always his normal, jovial self. His temperament and sense of humor is always uplifting to staff and even inmates alike and he works great with all staff members. Jason is a type 2 diabetic and one of his three children are also severely diabetic, but still always answers his phone and always is the first to volunteer to come in all while finding a caregiver for his daughter. This is all due to his desire and understanding the importance of managing and maintaining safety and security of a jail facility while only receiving an endless supply of comp hours that can never realistically be used. Jason also provides excellent and personable service to those who enter the jail lobby when he is running our central command area due to his long years of experience and expertise. His reliability exceeds that of any other employee in our department." -- Sheriff Justin Cole, Parke County Sheriff's Office (IN)
English