On October 10, 2024, several individuals who have demonstrated dedication and excellence in the corrections profession throughout their careers were recognized during an Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with JAILCON24 Central Regional Conference at the French Lick Springs Hotel & Conference Center in French Lick, IN.
Tate McCotter, Executive Director for the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), presented the awards and also recognized agencies and individuals who had earned NIJO National Accreditation and Professional Certification.
NIJO wishes to extend our congratulations to the following award recipients.
JAILCON24 Central Region
Corrections Professionals Awards
CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Morganne Napoleoni
Jail Resource Coordinator, Dakota County Sheriff's Office, MN
Morganne seeks to continue to help evolve programming that aims to reduce the number of barriers inmates have facing re-entry to the community. Morganne has quickly moved into the jail working environment and is learning the dynamics of the criminal justice system. Morganne is not content with the status quo. She tests the limits and sets a style for others to follow. She takes a fresh look at old problems and discovers opportunities for improvement. Her creative and enthusiastic approach has had a very positive impact on the office. Morganne strives for superior results.
In an effort to address the recidivism rates and the criminogenic risk factors of the inmate population, Morganne, along with the Jail programs team, has been involved with:
- The Inmates motivated to Change (IMC) specialized housing unit;
- The Community Speaker program;
- Jail Resource Fairs;
- The Motivational Conference;
- Staff orientation and training;
- Re-entry Assistance Program (RAP) support; and
- The Resource Distribution system.
She constantly searches for ways to improve productivity. For example, she found a source for Narcan to be given to inmates upon release and saved the county a lot of money finding this free resource. She also put in a lot of work to find winter clothing for inmates being released. She was part of our Bridge the Gap, art project to paint the walls of our jail.
Congratulations Morganne Napoleoni!
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Toni Gilman, RN
Parke County Sheriff's Office, IN
Nurse Gilman has served at the Parke County Jail for over 7 years through the contracted medical provider. Prior to her employment at the facility the medical department lacked stability and continuity. Nurse Gilman quickly organized the medical department and put measures in place to ensure excellent patient care. Nurse Gilman is dedicated to the smooth operation of the medical unit both while on and off-site and is well respected by both agency staff and patients. The agency recently transitioned to a new medical provider and Nurse Gilman was instrumental in ensuring a successful transition.
Nurse Gilman does an excellent job at keeping Command Staff informed of patient medical conditions and provides direction for their care as well as the Nurse Practitioner on patient care needs. She is reliable and dedicated to both the agency and patients.
Congratulations Toni Gilman!
DETENTION OFFICER OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Kayla Johnston
Officer, Crawford County Sheriff's Office, KS
Kayla has been a very involved employee. She has made herself an important member of the Crawford County Jail team by volunteering to instruct training on restraint devices as well as other specialized parts of corrections, including helping and training all new employees. She takes her job very seriously as well as the responsibility of training, while maintaining her daily duties and tasks. She likes to take charge of the shift when necessary and is not afraid to make decisions.
Kayla is willing to work when she is needed and tries to find new ways to help and make the work environment better, including organizing staff parties, holidays, and group outings to help better morale. Kayla has shown that she cares about her co-workers and helping to improve the work environment. From her captain, “I do believe that she brings more to work than just another day. She will complete her tasks when asked to and will show that she is willing to help out. Kayla has been a go to employee from the start. I believe the recognition will reinforce her willingness to go above and beyond and show that she is appreciated.”
Congratulations Officer Johnston!
DETENTION SUPERVISOR OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Staff Sergeant Johnnie Leggett
Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility, KS
Staff Sergeant Leggett supervises and oversees the facility’s five vocational programs – textiles, embroidery, canine CARES, agriculture, art & design, and security for the education programs. In addition he has introduced innovated approaches to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness within the facility. This includes creating a framework for Corrections Officer Apprenticeship for Soldiers transitioning out of the service to enhance their chances of employment and quality of training. He plays a pivotal role in those he supervises professional growth and development by providing ongoing training and mentorship. Nearly each one of his subordinates has been promoted under his watchful care.
He continues to be a role model for corrections specialists and demonstrates honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior. He actively participates in the Army Corrections Brigade Wellness Committee and Program, representing the MJRCF. He continually is seeking his own progressional development including NIJO trainings, a Bachelor’s degree from Purdue, and brings this home to use as a supervisor. From his Master Sergeant “SSG Leggett embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader, demonstrating consistent leadership, integrity, and support. His work has been profoundly felt by staff and inmates, making him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.”
Congratulations SSG Leggett!
DETENTION ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Crystal Boyd
Love County Justice Center, OK
Crystal Boyd has been in the law enforcement field for 9 years. She started as a detention officer and worked her way up to Jail Administrator and held that title for the last 6 years so she knows every aspect of her job. She holds multiple training certificates. Crystal takes great pride and dedication in her role as Jail Administrator. Crystal goes above and beyond with her staff, often working their shifts when needed. She ensures that the detention staff are knowledgeable and trained for any altercation that might arise with the inmates. She keeps up to date with policies, procedures and jail standards. From her nominee “She most definitely puts in more hours than she is paid for, but for Crystal it’s about taking pride in our justice center and making sure that every aspect of our facility remains in compliance with all rules and regulations. She will tell you that she loves her job and it shows.”
Congratulations Commander Boyd!
DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD
Jeremy Dye
Captain, Delaware County Sheriff's Office, IN
Captain Dye worked his way up from line staff to the Jail Commander. He has experience in all divisions of the jail as well as doing transports and training. He is very passionate about his job and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of all employees at the jail and is constantly looking for ways to improve the working environment and gives the employees incentives to do better. He recognizes those who go above and beyond and consistently pushes for more staff and higher wages.
Captain Dye leads by example and acknowledges the concerns of his fellow officers. He recently developed policies and procedures that have assisted in a better safe environment for the Officers. He was one of first Jail Commanders in the County that was not a merit officer and he knows all the struggles that line staff along with administers go through in order to run the jail. He is able to relay that information to those who do not know.
Congratulations Captain Dye!
DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sergeant Shannin Barrett
Lapeer County Sheriff's Office, MI
Sgt. Barrett has gone up and beyond for the department. She runs the FTO program and spends numerous hours of her own time helping new recruits. She has spent hours finding training for deputies to be able to stay up to date on the most current info. She always speaks up for and defends others in the meeting. From he nominees, “When I started FTO I struggled and while so many others wanted to just get rid of me, she took the time to help and guide me to where I am now.”
Other words to describe Sgt Barrett – hardworking, kind, natural leader,fair, loses sleep to help new recruits.
Congratulations Sergeant Barrett!
DISTINGUISHED VALOR AWARD
Jacksen Adams and Bayler James
Crawford County Sheriff's Office, KS
On November 15, 2023 an inmate had requested to speak with a corrections officer but gave no reason. The inmate had been placed into a single holding cell after processing. Officer Adams felt that the inmate’s request was not normal and sounded suspicious. Officer Adams decided to go and check on the welfare of the inmate. Upon opening the cell door, Officer Adams discovered the inmate was attempting suicide by ligature. Officer Adams jumped into action and along with the help of Officer Bayler Jaynes, successfully stopped the inmate’s actions by removing the ligature. The inmate was unresponsive and not breathing so both officers provided immediate medical assistance to save the inmate’s life. After the event, the inmate was checked by medical professionals and did not require any hospitalization due to both officers’ actions.
Officer Adams and Officer Jaynes provided immediate action to protect and prevent an inmate from self-harm and provide life-saving assistance.
Congratulations to Officers Adams and James!
DETENTION FACILITY INNOVATION AWARD
Linn County Detention Center, KS
The Linn County Jail has made huge strides since opening a new facility in August of 2022. Linn County went from housing 17 inmates in house in a jail originally built to hold 10 in the 1970s. Linn County was spending in the upward amounts of $350,000 a year to house inmates at surrounding counties when space was needed. The New Linn County Jail can now hold 96 inmates including holding inmates for surrounding counties and The US Marshal Service.
The jail staff has grown and overcame the obstacles. Included in these changes are: housing federal inmates, discovered and implemented new technology, and constantly working to improve and help inmates and the community. Linn County Jail staff have been very helpful to several neighboring counties by helping with policy writing, training, and assisting in the reconstruction and building of new facilities. Their staff is always able and willing to help anyone in need.
Congratulations Linn County Detention Center!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AWARD
John Fletcher
Former Deputy Director, Kansas Sheriffs' Association and Former Sheriff and County Administrator for Russell County, KS
The Executive Director Award goes to an individual that has made a significant and profound impact upon the corrections profession that may fit outside of the scope of the other awards but deserves much recognition.
As we thought about that description and this year’s award at JAILCON Central, there was an important individual we wanted recognize. That individual is Sheriff John Fletcher. After graduating from Goodland, KS, he began his law enforcement career working in the Jail in Russell County, KS, as well as taking on EMT shifts. He was later a patrol officer for the City of Russell until he was selected by the Governor to be the Russell County Sheriff in 1999. John was re-elected as Sheriff multiple times. While in office, he graduated from the FBI National Academy and served as president of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. It goes without saying that his wife, Heather, put up with a lot. John eventually retired in 2015, but he apparently didn’t know what retirement meant, as he continued serving faithfully as the Deputy Director of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association until his untimely death this year, June 20, 2024, at his home. While fulfilling his role as Deputy Director of KSA, he also served as the Russell County Administrator from 2013 to 2024. John is a guy who quietly worked behind the scenes, knew everybody, and had a way of getting things done–the ultimate worker bee. His viewing and funeral reflected just how loved John was and the impact he made on people. We are in the people business and John knew how to treat people. We have been blessed to work with him and are beneficiaries of his dedicated work and devotion to our profession. His wife Heather could not be here, but Kansas Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director, Sandy Horton, is here to accept this award on her behalf.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AWARD
Sandy Horton
Executive Director, Kansas Sheriffs' Association
Sandy Horton grew up in Crawford County, Kansas, and began his 33-year career with the local sheriff’s department while still attending Pittsburg High School. For the last 17 years of his career with Crawford County, Horton served as sheriff until retiring in January 2013. After retiring, he remained active in the world of law enforcement as Executive Director of the Kansas Sheriff’s Association.
Sandy did a lot of great things as sheriff but this Executive Directors Award is focused on the great work he has done to benefit jails as Executive Director of KSA.
The first time NIJO Executive Director, Tate McCotter, met him, Sandy related lessons learned as sheriff, specifically saying how jails are a sheriff’s biggest challenge and headache, and sheriffs who ignore their jails do so at their own peril. He went on to share his worries about inmate-filed lawsuits and how the world was changing.
Sandy made it clear that jails and jail issues were going to be discussed at their sheriff’s conference, and over the past decade, he has done just that. Horton worked closely with exceptionally proactive sheriffs, and the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association went to work to address jail issues. Here are a few of the many accomplishments that have occurred in that state:
- Annual KSA trainings to promote legal-based jail training, legal issues updates, and other jail matters across the state.
- Focus on running constitutionally-safe jails;
- Through his leadership KSA established the Kansas Jail Training Academy (basic academy for new officers) and Kansas Supervisor Training taught regularly, recognizing the need for quality training and consistency, as well as the liability and risks associated with a failure to train and supervise. To date, there have been over 570 attendees graduate since implementation in 2021. He insisted that the training be held at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Academy where patrol officers get training so that it would be on par and considered equal to road staff.
- Pushed to have jail training introduced and be a critical focus at each New Sheriff’s Institute, held every year for newly elected KS sheriffs–which had not been a priority before.
- Promulgated Kansas Legal-Based Jail Guidelines throughout the state and getting the risk pool on board to financially support jails who elect to utilize them.
Legislatively and to shape statewide policy, Kansas Sheriffs’ Association, under Sandy’s leadership, has been very busy:
- Passing HCR 5022 (Kansas Sheriffs’ Constitutional Amendment);
- Saving the sheriffs thousands of dollars by getting jail medical bills to be negotiated by third party;
- Setting up the Kansas Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system–where Sandy was appointed to serve on the Board
- Intensively campaigned in the passing of SB-228, even overriding the governor’s veto, to pass the bill which reimbursed counties for costs incurred for people being held in county jails awaiting examination, evaluation or treatment for competency, modernizing statutes concerning county jails, modifying procedures used when district courts commit prisoners to jail in another county when counties contract with city jails to keep prisoners and requiring a medical examination before certain United States prisoners or city prisoners are taken into custody of a county jail.
In that statute, a clause was included that defined gender, which has been extremely beneficial when considering operational and management issues with transgender populations.
Having worked closely over the past 15 years with numerous states during his role as Executive Director of NIJO, Tate McCotter, recognizes the amount of concentrated and sustained effort it takes to make these kind of changes, changing the narrative that jails are not 2nd fiddle. KSA is an incredible organization. They do so much with much less resources than many states. Though their staff is small (and their budget is too!), the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association has strong sheriff leadership with an exemplary board that is all in and fully engaged. Sandy is recognized for his amazing effort and Kansas county jails appreciate what he has done and continues to due to elevate their role in their eyes and the eyes of sheriffs – not just in the state of Kansas but others as well.
Congratulations Sandy Horton!
NIJO National Accredication Recognition
Boone County Sheriff's Office, MO
Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri, completed the third year of their re-inspection. This is an incredible achievement, as they are the only agency in Missouri currently seeking National Accreditation. Boone County Sheriff’s Office continually shows their dedication to legal-based principles and always impresses our inspectors on each and every inspection. This year they again confirmed their Level I Accreditation, the highest level achievable. We would like to recognize them all for this achievement. Since representatives from Boone County were unable to attend the Awards Ceremony, Keith Hoskins, their retired Jail Commander, who started the accreditation process, accepted their certificate.
Congratulations to Sheriff Carey, Jail Administrator Damon Reynolds, Captain Jenny Atwell and the entire Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Staff for this accomplishment.
Wayne County Sheriff's Office, IN
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office was the first agency in Indiana to receive their National Accreditation. In June of 2024, they completed Year 2 of their 2nd Accreditation Cycle. This makes this their 3rd Accreditation Cycle, meaning they have maintained their Accreditation for almost 10 years! Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has shown their commitment to running a legally-defensible facility by achieving a Level I Accreditation, the highest level achievable.
Congratulations to Sheriff Retter, Captain Wysong and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Staff for this achievement!
NIJO Professional Certification
Professional Certification through the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) was created to offer a highly respected national certification to individuals seeking a curriculum rooted in legal principles. This certification is not just issued, but earned, showcasing the expertise and competency of jail and detention officers, supervisors, administrators, and sheriffs. NIJO offers three distinct levels of certification for those aiming for career growth and progression in their field.
National Certified Corrections Executive (NCCE)
Captain Jason M. Wysong
Wayne County Sheriff's Office, IN
National Certified Corrections Supervisor (NCCS)
Diane Ashby
Jackson County Sheriff's Office, MI
Christopher Toby
Wayne County Sheriff's Office, IN
National Certified Corrections Officer (NCCO)
Shelby Starling
Story County Sheriff's Office, IA
(Not pictured.)
Deputy Alexander Linville
Wayne County Sheriff's Office, IN
Congratulations to all of these outstanding and dedicated professionals and their agencies. You are the unsung heroes of law enforcement. We appreciate you! As always we are dedicated to providing legal-based training and resources for the employees of jails and detention facilities across the country.
