National Correctional Officers and Employees Week runs through May 12. Each year, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office takes time to applaud the hard work, dedication, and commitment of those who serve in correctional facilities. Here’s a lowdown on the local jails.
The detention center, by the numbers
102 – number of detention center deputies (p.s. They are hiring!)
Three facilities:
1. 604 – Stock Island Detention Center capacity; 550 – current headcount
2. 57 — Marathon jail capacity (It’s closed for hurricane renovations); 54 – current number of Marathon inmates in Key West.
3. 46 – Plantation Key jail capacity; 46 — current headcount
1:8 – toilet to inmate ratio
1:16 – shower to inmate ratio
1:72 – deputy to inmate ratio
14 days – Staying long? A full physical is provided within 14 days by Correct Care Solutions.
20 Years Capt. Jon Crane celebrated last week with Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Unknown – MCSO won’t provide the actual frigid temperature the thermostat is set at, but let’s just say they keep it cold so hot heads don’t prevail.
Detention Deputy Jessie Hubbard
1 year, six months
Hubbard has always looked up to law enforcement officers. “Working in this field has always been something I wanted to make a career out of,” he said. In his free time, he enjoys helping the community and mentoring youth. He and his cousin run an athletic camp on the mainland and try to educate kids on life after their athletic careers.
Detention Deputy Nathan Curry
Five years at MCSO
“I always had a passion for law enforcement and becoming a correctional officer helped me solidify it,” said Curry, a 2008 Key West High School graduate. “I get to serve the community I grew up in, and that’s the most rewarding part of the job.”
Sergeant Eyner Diaz
Four years at MCSO
Diaz said his father-in-law and wife paved the way for him to join Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Both serve at the detention center. “It was the best decision I ever made,” he said. His most rewarding experience thus far has been his promotion to detention sergeant, which happened last Thursday.
Sergeant Ashley Leahy
10 years with MCSO
“I can’t always say I always wanted to be a detention deputy, but I always had respect for corrections and law enforcement growing up,” said Leahy. Her recently retired uncle Deputy W. Sheriff spurred her interested in the profession. “He would share the most intriguing jail house stories with our family and always seemed to enjoy his work.”
What sealed the deal for Leahy were the excellent benefits, retirement options, and the respected administration at Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Her co-workers are an added bonus. “The countless deputies and civilian staff who I have worked with over the years, I consider to be family,” she said of their unbreakable bond. “And the people in the community who recognize and appreciate us and openly show us support.”
She feels a great sense of pride when a community member thanks her for her service. “The community is really what it’s all about.”
