Switzerland County jailers get training
Counties work together
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

"I don't' know what we'd do without them," noted Cathy Curry, Deputy Matron of Switzerland County Sheriff's Department, as she referred to administration at the Ripley County Jail.

Curry was referring to the recent training effort Lt. Lee Mathews has extended to the neighboring county to help get the jailers ready for the new jail they are building in Switzerland County.

The jail, when completed, will house 50 prisoners. That's quite a stretch from their old jail, which could only house eight. That jail hasn't been in operation since 2003. The new facility is slated to be completed in September of this year.

Noting that their jail is being built like Ripley County's, Curry said training the jail officers here is perfect. "We'll have the same computer system and everything," she noted. "It's great to get 'on the job' training for our officers."

Lt. Mathews, who is a veteran officer for Ripley County, said he couldn't imagine opening a new jail with a 'green staff'. He's willing to help train the officer for Switzerland County, saying in an emergency, the
counties will be able to help each other. He also noted that the training is taking place at no cost to taxpayers in either county.
"We will do everything we can to assist Switzerland County to have a smooth opening of their facility," noted Sheriff Bill Davison. The Ripley County Jail opened without a hitch and the sheriff noted he wants Switzerland County to have the same experience.

On Thursday of last week, Curry and three prospective jailers were touring the Ripley County facility. They included Shila Sublett, Jerry Smith and Geralynn Miller.

Curry concluded by saying all the staff for their new jail will be trained through Ripley County. There will be six jailers along with herself and Jail Commander Robby Smith.

Having high praise for Ripley County's officers, Curry noted they have been exceptional with their training abilities. "There's a lot more than meets the eye to this job," she noted, concluding that she was thankful experienced officers were helping them train.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Jail personnel from Ripley County work together to train jailers from Switzerland County. Pictured from left are: Ripley County Jail Administrator Lt. Lee Mathews, Switzerland County Deputy Matron Cathy Curry, Shila Sublett, Jerry Smith, Switzerland County trainees; Chief Deputy David Pippin, RCSD; and Bobby Curl, helping Geralynn Miller on the computer.