Lewis County Sheriff’s Corrections staff recognized for their public service

CHEHALIS –It takes a highly technical skill set and accountability in an ever-changing high-risk environment of legal reforms at a job that many confess is thankless, yet rewarding.

It’s Correctional Officer Recognition Week with a spotlight on the often unseen public service provided by the men and women working in the Lewis County Jail.

“I enjoy helping people when I can,” said Lewis County Sheriff’s Corrections Deputy Wade Sabin in a conversation at the county jail. “Reducing recidivism is a big thing and it’s about giving those that find themselves incarcerated, a better chance of getting out and not coming back and becoming a productive member of society.”

Sabin is one of 47 corrections deputies who work in the county jail in Chehalis. They were hosted to a lunch May 11 for appreciation of their work and chosen profession.

Former President Reagan established National Correctional Officers Week in 1984 – the first week of May – to appreciate the services of corrections officers and their contributions to society.

The work of Lewis County Corrections deputies is augmented by medical, substance abuse and mental health treatment and counseling professionals.

“We work closely with one another so that all providers can determine the best treatment and counselling for specific individuals,” said Kimberly Heberer, Health Services Administrator with Everhealth, the jail’s medical services provider.

“Actions and words cannot thank you all enough for the career you have chosen and the amount of human lives you continue to positively influence,” Lewis County Sheriff’s Corrections Chief Chris Sweet said.