Today the Mesa County Board of Commissioners officially dedicated this week to Correctional Officers in Mesa County to honor the work of correctional officers and correctional personnel nationwide. At the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, this group of professionals are known as detention deputies.

Sheriff Matt Lewis and Detentions Captain Art Smith joined the Mesa County Board of Commissioners in recognizing the professionalism and dedication of our detention deputies and staff.

Local jails, like the Mesa County Detention Facility, are complex organizations. On a basic level, a jail must provide its inmate population a number of services, including three meals a day, medical and mental health care, clothing and linens, visitation, recreation, religious programs, as well as access to courts and attorneys while maintaining the safety and security of the 24-hour facility. Complicating this task is the risk of illness to both inmates and staff from a global pandemic.

“It can be a thankless job, but it’s an important one. Our detention deputies and staff play a vital role in keeping our community safe. Not only do they ensure the safety and security of the Mesa County Detention Facility but also work to help better the lives of those incarcerated,” said Capt. Art Smith. “From mental health services and substance use disorder treatment to helping inmates prepare to be productive members of society once they return to the community. I’m proud of the work the men and women of the Mesa County Detention Facility do each and every day.” 

National Correctional Officers’ Week is also a time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community. The names of more than 700 correctional officers are engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. One of those names is Mesa County Sheriff Deputy Edward Innes, who was killed by an inmate escaping the jail in 1906. A wreath, first displayed in the Mesa County Sheriff's Office lobby, will be placed on Deputy Innes' grave this week to honor and remember his sacrifice. Learn more about Deputy Edward Innes here.

This week the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office will be sharing more with the community about the work these men and women do to ensure our community remains a safe place to live, work and play. Please join us in thanking these dedicated professionals.