Chief Jose Briones received 7 letters of nomination, including one from Washington State Senator Ron Muzzall! There’s a first for everything and this was a first for us. Jose Briones took command of the Island County Jail 8 months after an in-custody death in the facility. He remains in contact with the father of the inmate in custody to this day. He firmly believes that “re-entry starts when individuals come into our facility”.
On June 12, 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 Western Regional Conference at the Gila River Resort at Wild Horse Pass, in Chandler, Arizona.
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 Western Region
Corrections Professionals Awards
CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Casandra Costa
Correctional Services Assistant, Imperial County Sheriff's Office, CA
Nominated by her Lieutenant, Casandra Costa is the Correctional Services Assistant for the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office. She has been at the Sheriff’s office for over 11 years and her perseverance and accomplishments are unmatched. Casandra’s two main jobs at the Sheriff’s Office are Programs and the Cal-Aim initiative. With programs– she manages the many educational, vocational, and work
opportunities for the inmates. With Cal-Aim– Casandra has lead out to ensure pre-release services, including medi-Cal, are being implemented 90-days pre-release for the inmates. This has been a huge effort to reduce recidivism and re-integrate inmates back home with society and their families.
In addition to these primary responsibilities Casandra also is involved with the Sheriff’s events committee, mentorship program, social media team, CO week committee chair person, etc! Her attention to social media largely helped in recruiting efforts during lots of resignments, retirements and promotions in 2024. She was constantly found working and volunteering for such events to ensure the security of the department.
Not only does Casandra find time for many responsibilities and duties related and non-related to her position, but she also is a graduate of the Grossmont College Corrections Academy with her STC Correctional Officer Core Course Certification.
Her Lieutenant has said about her efforts within the community, “Casandra has established herself as a champion and advocate for what we accomplish within our correctional facilities and with our justice involved population”.
Congratulations Casandra Costa!
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Cheryl Jahnke, RN
Chase County Sheriff's Office, KS
Cheryl Jahnke, RN, always goes above and beyond. The Detention Center has gone through a lot of changes in the past year. Cheryl has been a rock for the Detention Center during this time. Whether assisting in general duties, providing guidance to staff, helping inmates with medical issues or being a listening ear for officers. Cheryl Jahnke, RN, always goes above and beyond. The Detention Center has gone
through a lot of changes in the past year. Cheryl has been a rock for the Detention Center during this time. Whether assisting in general duties, providing guidance to staff, helping inmates with medical issues or being a listening ear for officers.
In one particular incident, an inmate had fallen in his cell. A detention officer responded to the scene and immediately requested Cheryl to respond. The inmate was unresponsive and Cheryl began life saving measures. Both the Detention Officer and Cheryl conducted CPR on the inmate. Other officers brought Narcan and the AED. Cheryl provided rescue breaths on the inmate knowing the dangers that existed with doing so. After 5 doses of Narcan, rescue breaths, and sternum rubs, the inmate gained consciousness. The inmate was taken to the Hospital.
Shortly after the inmate left, the detention officer became dizzy and lightheaded and was struggling for air. A second ambulance was requested. Cheryl tended to this Detention Officer while at the same time was lightheaded herself and not feeling well.
Both the Detention Officer and Cheryl were taken in the 2nd ambulance to the hospital. While enroute, the detention officer was also given a dose of Narcan to help reverse the effects. At the hospital, Cheryl continually asked questions about the treatment of the Detention Officer and showed no worry about herself.
Because of Cheryl’s response to the situation, an inmate, and a detention officer, are alive and well.
Cheryl has worked for the Detention Center for seven years and sometimes works 14-hour days to spend a lot of time training and teaching not just medical but in all areas. Cheryl isn’t just a nurse in the Detention Officer’s eyes. She’s a leader who deserves to be recognized. She isn’t just any nurse. She goes above and beyond. Cheryl sees the widest range of cases while working with inmates from US Immigration to US Marshal’s to local inmates.
Not only does Cheryl work to do her job while providing the highest standard of care possible, but she is even working towards graduating with her APRN. She is part of the administrative team and provides valuable insight when discussing policies and procedures. She is even in charge of our environmental and health safety procedures in the center, and she takes employees, inmates and detainees health to heart.
This is what makes her a hero and we don’t think that she is told enough or shown enough appreciation. How do you tell someone thank you and really get them to understand? She is selfless and always caring for others. She is the true embodiment of a Detention Center nurse.
Congratulations Nurse Jahnke!
DETENTION OFFICER OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Karen Ann Donovan Abbott
Corrections Officer IV, Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR)
Get on the Bus AZ is a non-profit organization that seeks to reunite families of the incarcerated in Arizona. In order to make this program a success and be a part of rehabilitation and re-entry is due to good administration and execution. Corrections Officer IV Abbott has worked tirelessly and cooperatively to make the Mother’s Day event the success it has been.
Over 150 applicants need to be screened, interviewed and families contacted for visitation on that one special day. It takes months to prepare and CO IV Abbott is the vital link that enables the program to take place at the Perryville facility.
CO IV Abbott demonstrates a tireless approach. She communicates quickly, decisively and with clarity what is needed to ensure success of this major program of reunification for Mother’s Day. She responds when needed, not when convenient, and at all times of the day or night.
She assists her supervisors and staff by taking on the “hard stuff” and defining needs with solutions. Said of her nominee from the Get on the Bus organization “Karen is truly a professional individual with the ability to communicate and resolve through others needed programs or desired behaviors. I’m not entirely sure she has time to sleep. We thank her for her diligence, character and professionalism. This year attendance for the Mother’s Day event almost doubled.
Congratulations CO IV Abbott!
DETENTION SUPERVISOR OF THE THE YEAR AWARD
Corporal Alexander Kubricky
Weber County Sheriff's Office, UT
Early in 2023, Corporal Kubricky accepted the assignment of Field Training Officer Supervisor for the Corrections Division at the Weber County Sheriff’s Office. He immediately went to work embracing the mission of offering the new team members the very best learning experience. Within the first few weeks Corporal Kubricky introduced significant changes in practices and training
applications. His attention to improving our daily observation reports leapt forward in multiple layers. First, making these reports simpler to complete on the part of the trainer’s side and then creating a multi-colored tracking system to measure a new deputy’s success in an easily visual matrix. Corporal Kubricky then went to work communicating with supervisors up and down the chain of command explaining the importance of completing daily observation reports and holding trainers accountable for getting these reports fully completed and turned in promptly.
Corporal Kubricky then radically changed Weber’s “officer in waiting” program. Originally a staff member was hired before an academy began and would sit as an observer in an operations control room without much engagement nor purpose. Corporal Kubricky changed this practice and created our cadet-in-waiting program in which new hires are fully submerged in day-to-day operations prior to their academy experience. This has given new team members a huge advantage in the Academy and following the completion of the Academy. These team members are hitting the ground running as certified deputies and completing their field training obligations ahead of schedule.
Corporal Kubricky submerged himself into the on-boarding process. Working with our recruitment team, Corporal Kubricky prepared the way for new staff members to become an active and welcome member of our Office through attention to detail and his willingness to communicate. He reaches out to each new team member to ensure they understand their obligations, start dates, next steps, and gives a professional and engaging welcome as they begin their journey into the corrections career field. Kubricky then spends most of his time finding holes and trying to fill them to relieve the stress of those at the jail. He actively participates in meetings and events and actively seeks out and maintains relationships with everyone in the facility.
Said of his Chief Deputy, “Words do not suffice to express my appreciation and admiration of Corporal Kubricky’s leadership ability and desire to constantly improve our Office. His positive force of personality has impacted young careers in such tremendously good ways. Corporal Kubricky is an invaluable asset to our office and I am incredibly grateful to call him a friend and mentor.” Congratulations and come on up Corporal Kubricky!
DETENTION ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Chief Jose Briones
Island County Sheriff's Office, WA
Chief Jose Briones received 7 letters of nomination, including one from his senator! There’s a first for everything and this was a first for us. Jose Briones took command of the Island County Jail 8 months after an in-custody death in the facility. He remains in contact with the father of the inmate in custody to this day. He firmly believes that “re-entry starts when individuals come into our facility”.
Here are just a few quotes from his numerous nominations.
“Chief Briones has been a colleague of mine for several years and has assisted my facility in so many ways. Whenever I reach out he never hesitates to help me or any other jail commander. When I called upon his expertise in training for new equipment that our facility purchase, Chief Briones did not hesitate to travel several miles via car and ferry to help us.”
~ Chief Penelope Sapp, Kitsapp County Jail, WA
“One instance that particularly stands out is Chief Briones’s willingness to share invaluable information and guidance regarding unexpected fatalities. His teamwork and guidance have proved invaluable to our agency which highlights his commitment to fostering a supportive and caring environment within the corrections community.”
~ Chief Corrections Deputy of the Whatcom County Jail
“Chief Briones is well-known throughout our region and has on multiple occasions assisted our department and many others on in custody death investigations, use of force situations and mutual aid requests. Chief Briones contributes to the improvement of the jail environment by constantly advocating for enhanced safety, security and custody improvements including less lethal force options, enhanced mental health services and body worn cameras. Chief Briones sits on a state level legislative jail committee and is a voice of reason and accountability for the corrections profession in a time when law enforcement needs it most.”
~ Lt. Andersen, Skagit County Jail, WA
Chief Briones’ “advocate mentality” is evident in his statements in the senate hearing room on January 22, 2024:
“Since the establishment of the Jail Standards Task Force, I have observed that the function of this group isn’t to improve current standards or help develop consistent practices within Washington Jails, but to establish an oversight committee consisting of mostly non-Corrections Professionals. It is because this House Bill weighs so heavily on oversite with no clear direction or support for improvement that I cannot support it. I look forward to working with any group, person or entity that chooses to move forward with improving and updating our current Washington Jail Standards.”
“If there is a problem, Jose will keep on top of it until he finds a solution. He is ethical, budget conscious (but not cheap), focused on rehabilitation but draws the line at enabling, shares his knowledge without being territorial or trying to be the most intelligent guy in the room, and willing to manage community criticism with an open mind. From where I sit, having someone like Jose is vital to my ability to make good, well-informed decisions. He is also willing to help navigate tough conversations, gives the board honest feedback, and doesn’t go without truth. This is EXACTLY the type of person you want on your team. I wish I had the right words to help you understand what a true blessing Jose is to Island County.”
~ Jill Johnson, Washingtong Board of Commissioners
“Chief Briones provides our investigators with real-time strategic intelligence he has gathered within his facility. He recognizes gang membership strength, rules of membership, their recruiting efforts, their preferred criminal tactics, their outside support structures, and current feuds. Such identification is crucial to the safety and security of the correctional facility.”
~ Sergeant Kading, Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit, WA
“I was present during a very stressful time at the jail and have seen him in action, On that particular day, and obviously disturbed inmate decided to inflict self-harm. Chief Briones immediately reacted with appropriate staff to respond compassionately and place the inmate in a position so that he couldn’t continue to harm himself. I continue to hear propaganda demonizing law enforcement. I wish they could see Chief Briones at work and listen to his philosophy on incarceration. Respect, compassion, and professionalism sum up my impression of Chief Briones.”
~ Senator Ron Muzzall
“Chief Briones took over leadership of the Island County Jail during an extremely difficult time after a tragic in-custody death in 2015. Staff morale in the jail was at an all-time low and staffing numbers were so low as to be barely manageable. The policies in effect were dangerously outdated and there were emergent facility security issues to be addressed. Chief Briones and his team have successfully “righted the ship” and I believe we are currently running one of the best jails in Washington State. In 2015 staff were coming to me to complain about the new jail chief and his expectations and policies. Today they are nominating him for the JAILCON24 Jail Administrator of the Year Award. I think that fact says more than I could ever say.”
~ Sheriff Rick Felici, Island County, WA
NIJO is pleased to honor Chief Briones as the “JAILCON24 Western Region Detention Administrator of the Year”!
DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD
Chris Sharp
Director, Chelan County Regional Justice Center, WA
In the few years Chris Sharp has been the director of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office in WA he has made huge changes toward improvement and safety of the jail. His focus is on the safety of the inmates and staff. He has implemented a drug interdiction program which includes a full body scanner, a mail scanner, and a drug canine which has taken an extreme amount of dedication and work.
Director Sharp also recently spearheaded the effort to install 12 medical sensors into the building and Chelan County Jail is one of the first in the state to implement this type of medical monitoring. He is dedicated to reducing the risk of harm for the inmate population.
With the rise of fentanyl use and the ever-changing medical needs and risks involved for those people being booked, these medical sensors are an important addition to the jail. He has also increased medical staff to include 24/7 nursing staff and has advocated for the health department and the wellbeing of the people and the population he is responsible for.
Said of his healthcare manager, “Chris has shown to be dedicated and determined to provide a safer jail for the incarcerated individuals. He has consistently demonstrated a sincere concern for the safety of his staff and volunteers who work in this facility. He gives 100% daily in his job. He worked his way up from a corrections deputy to the director of this facility. This job matters to him, and he has a personal goal of doing the best he can every day.”
Congratulations Director Sharp!
DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE AWARD
Captain Adam Alvarado
Converse County Sheriff's Office, WY
Captain Alvarado manages his jail deputies, nursing staff, budgets and various other duties within the Sheriff’s Department. Duties include hiring, training and supervising his jail staff to ensure enforcement of rules and humane treatment of inmates. Captain Alvarado played a big role in the building of Phase 2 of our justice center. He makes sure our Policies and procedures of the facility are up to date.
Captain Alvarado manages his jail deputies, nursing staff, budgets and various other duties within the Sheriff’s Department. Duties include hiring, training and supervising his jail staff to ensure enforcement of rules and humane treatment of inmates. Captain Alvarado played a big role in the building of Phase 2 of our justice center. He makes sure our policies and procedures of the facility are up to date.
One of his sergeants said of him, “When he interviewed 12 years ago, I was amazed that he was attending college for his criminal justice degree and working a full time job and still carried a 4.0 grade point average. Captain Alvarado was a patrol deputy before aquiring the Captain position on the detention side. He’s active in all aspects of the Sheriff’s Department.”
It doesn’t matter the task he’s given, he always gives 110%. The Converse County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to have Captain Alvarado as their leader.
Congratulations Captain Alvarado!
DISTINGUISHED VALOR AWARD
Deputy Andrew Graham and Deputy Cole Mondragon
Laramie County Sheriff's Office, WY
This year NIJO is proud to recognize Deputies Andrew Graham and Cole Mondragon with the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, WY, for heroically for making critical decisions and taking preventive actions to save the life of an inmate and her newborn child.
On July 24th, 2023, Deputies Mondragon and Graham responded to a mentally ill inmate who was giving birth to a child in the Laramie County Detention Facility. Upon entering the cell, they were confronted by a mentally ill inmate who was attempting to prevent the birth of the newborn child. The deputies observed the inmate used her hand to prevent the newborn child from being born by covering the child’s entire face. Her attempt to stop the birth also prevented the newborn child from breathing. The newborn child was only partially out of the birth canal, unresponsive, blue in color and showed no signs of life. In addition, the mentally ill inmate was still wearing jail issued clothing which was around the newborn child’s neck preventing it from breathing.
The mentally ill inmate was refusing to allow the two deputies to assist with the birthing process. With the life of the newborn child in a perilous condition, the two deputies developed a plan. Deputy Graham secured the inmate’s arms and Deputy Mondragon cut away the jail clothing that was preventing the newborn child from breathing. Deputy Mondragon was then able to secure the newborn child, wrapped it in a blanket, began to stimulate the newborn child, and ultimately delivered it to the nurses for a medical assessment.
The abilities of both Deputy Mondragon and Deputy Graham to remain calm in this tense and uncertain situation resulted in them saving the life of a newly born child and has brought credit to the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, Laramie County, and the community as a whole.
Congratulations Deputies Grahm and Mondragon!
DETENTION FACILITY INNOVATION AWARD
Pennington County Jail, SD
At the Pennington County Detention Facility, the staff demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the facility, the public, and the profession, while promoting safety and justice to improve the quality of life in the community. The Pennington County Jail became nationally accredited with the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) in 2021 and has maintained compliance with its standards
and rigorous requirements since that time. This continues to assist the facility to develop and adapt to new or revised standards to work alongside the community and exemplify what a correctional facility should strive to be.
The Pennington County Jail has started incorporating the NIJO Detention and Corrections Online Training Academy (DACOTA) learning platform to better armor the correctional professionals with its confines. In the past year the jail has implemented certified corrections officers, supervisors, and executives using DACOTA as the main training into their training and promotions to make its’ staff more effective and complete corrections officials. Certification is being used to ensure its corrections officials are up to the standard and legal requirements that govern the day to day operations. As corrections officials become certified through NIJO they are recognized for their achievement and become eligible to further their career advancement.
The Sheriff and the Pennington County Jail have started the IGNITE, Individual Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education. The program is still new to the facility but has already made progress with the individuals involved. 43 individuals have been certified through Safe Serve with more being tested and 71 individuals are currently working toward their GEDs. The Work Program is being developed and will help serve the community through community service projects.
Congratulations to the entire team at Pennington County Jail!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AWARD
Brian Hunt
Loss Control Manager, Arizona Counties Insurance Pool (ACIP)
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. This year, NIJO Executive Director, selected Brian Hunt of the Arizona Counties Insurance Pool (ACIP) to recevie this award.
Brian’s tireless efforts and professionalism in supporting the corrections profession are known not only in Arizona, but throughout the entire western region.
“We are proud to have Brian as a member of the ACIP team. His knowledge and service to the community doesn’t go unnoticed. It is a pleasure to work with him.”
~ Andrea Lester, Senior Workers’ Compensation Claims Adjuster
“I have valued Brian as a member of the ACIP team since his start date, I look forward to working him for as long as he stays with us. Thank you for recognizing all his efforts.”
~ Joe Zingaro, Chief Financial Officer
“Brian is an invaluable asset to the ACIP team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project. His expertise in unparalleled, and his willingness to help other is evident in everything he does. Whether tackling complex challenges or offering guidance to colleagues, Brian consistently demonstrates excellent teamwork and dedication. His positive attitude and collaborative spirit make him a great teammate, greatly contributing to our collective success.”
~ Danielle Morris, Liability Claims Adjuster
“Brian’s value is immeasurable to our team. His skillset and knowledge are top notch, and he gives everything he can to support our Counties. Incredibly grateful and honored to have him as a go-to resource for just about everything.”
~ Erik Masingill, CSM, ECBA – Administrative Services Manager
“Brian is an invaluable asset to the ACIP team! His knowledge and positive attitude contribute to our collective success and I am honored to work with him.”
~ Cynthia Maalouf, Manager, Liability Claims
Congratulations to Brian Hunt!
NIJO National Accredication Recognition
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.
Pinal County Sheriff's Office, AZ
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, AZ, recently completed another pre-inspection and on-site inspection starting their newest accreditation cycle with 2024 beginning their 3rd accreditation cycle. Once again, Pinal County has shown their commitment to running a legally-defensible facility by achieving a Level I NIJO National Accredition, the highest level achievable.
Congratulations to Sheriff Mark Lamb, Chief Deputy Matt Thomas, Deputy Chief Matthew Hedrick, and the entire Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and Detention staff for your commitment and dedication to maintaining National Accrediation!
Navajo County Sheriff's Office, AZ
Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, AZ, completed the first year of their inspection for National Accreditation through the National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO). They are the 3rd agency in Arizona to seek NIJO National Accreditation. With their dedication to legal-based principles, Navajo County started their accreditation strong by achieving a Level I Accreditation, the highest level achievable.
Congratulations to Sheriff Clouse, Chief Garcia, Lieutenant Peterson, and the entire Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Staff for this outstanding achievement!
Pennington County Sheriff's Office, SD
Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, SD, completed the third year of their NIJO National Accrediation and are just starting their second 3-year cycle. They are the first agency in South Dakota to become accredited.
Congratulations to Sheriff Brian Mueller, Commander Rob Yantis, and entire Pennington County Jail Detention Staff for maintaining your Level I NIJO National Accreditation!
NIJO Professional Certification
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.
National Certified Corrections Executive (NCCE)
Sergeant Krystal Gentile
Pennington County Jail, SD
National Certified Corrections Supervisor (NCCS)
Sergeant Marty Boisvert
Navajo County Sheriff's Office, AZ
Sergeant Tyler Melnick
Island County Sheriff's Office, WA
Congratulations to all of these outstanding and dedicated professionals and their agencies. You are the unsung heroes of law enforcement. We appreciate you and are dedicated to providing legal-based training and resources for the employees of jails and detention facilities across the country.
