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Posted May 6, 2025
Posted by Sheriff's Office and Public Relations
Pottawattamie County is proud to recognize National Correctional Officers Week, observed May 4–10, 2025, and to honor the professionalism, dedication, and courage of the men and women who serve in our correctional facility.
Correctional officers are essential members of the law enforcement community, working around the clock to maintain safety and security within our jail, support rehabilitation efforts, and uphold the mission of the jail division of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office: to protect the community, to carry out judgments imposed by the courts, and to provide a safe and humane environment for those committed to our custody.
“Our officers wear many hats throughout the day—from ensuring security to helping someone navigate a personal crisis,” said Detention Officer Teddy Gillespie. “We treat everybody with the respect we’d want ourselves, and at the end of the day, it’s rewarding work.”
In a proclamation signed by the Board of Supervisors, the county formally recognizes the contributions of its correctional staff, whose work is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. Despite the unique challenges and risks of the profession, these officers continue to serve with diligence and determination.
“Correctional officers play a critical role in our justice system and deserve our deepest respect and appreciation,” said Board Chair Scott Belt. “Their commitment to safety, security, and rehabilitation strengthens our entire community.”
That commitment takes many forms. In the jail’s Programs and Training Division, Detention Corporal Tony Rubek, recipient of the Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer of the Year Award, ensures new officers are prepared for real-world challenges. “Our goal is always to keep everyone safe. We go above and beyond in officer training to better manage the inmate setting—because we want all of them to go home safe every day.”
Others help build a more hopeful environment through creativity. “In the female pods, we have coloring as a stress relief for them,” said Amber Roberts, a Detention Corporal. “We made spring butterflies recently, which made an inmate emotional because they said no one had ever taken time to make a positive impact in their life like that.”
From mental health support to maintenance operations, jail staff members contribute in countless ways. Matt Wiese, a Maintenance Worker at the jail, oversees inmate work crews in addition to his other responsibilities to ensure a clean and safe facility. “Getting to have some of the outside jobs is a privilege for them,” he explained. “I tell them we need to all treat each other with respect. Just because they're here doesn’t mean I’m going to treat them any different.”
Behind the scenes, administrative professionals also keep the facility running smoothly. Rikayla Redding, a Senior Jail Administrative Assistant who was recently recognized as the Civilian of the Year during the Sherrif’s Office Awards Banquet, manages payroll and personnel processes that follow complex correctional-specific protocols. But it’s the team that keeps her inspired: “I love the people that I work with. They are really great, and they keep me coming back to work every day.”
The staff’s efforts do not go unnoticed, especially by those who turn their lives around. “My favorite part of being a corrections officer is running into former inmates on the street when they’re doing well,” said Cpl. Roberts. “They’ll tell you their story about how long they’ve been clean or getting their kids back.”
Established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan and later expanded by Congress, National Correctional Officers Week provides an opportunity to thank not only correctional officers, but all correctional staff—from administrative professionals to medical, maintenance, food service and program coordinators—who work behind the scenes to support safer, more hopeful outcomes.
For some, working in corrections is a calling that comes later in life. Tim McBride, a retired hospital nurse, now serves as a Jail Nurse. “One day it might be quiet, the next day it’s complete chaos,” he said. “But this is my happy job. It’s easy to feel like I’m giving back and doing something I enjoy.”
Kenny Loghry, a Jail Sergeant, summed up the jail: “We’re a direct supervision jail, so we’re face to face with upwards of fifty inmates. It can be intimidating at first. But at the end of the day, everybody here has everybody’s back. We’re all family.”
Jail Administrator Trish Bernhards recognizes the incredible dedication, professionalism, and resilience of each staff member. Each day, jail staff face one of the most challenging environments in public service, yet they continue to show up with integrity, compassion and commitment to safety and rehabilitation. The work detention staff do is unseen by the public, is thankless but is vital to our community and the success of the jail.
To learn more about the jail division of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, visit: https://www.pottcounty-ia.gov/sheriff/jail/
