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Jail Manager

Certification Commission

Bradford said he was especially drawn to the 2021–2022
bookcase that was made from pallets. It had a
walnut finish. Ross said he was struck by another
bookcase that was made of pine and painted COMMISSION CHAIR
white. Michael Harris, CJM
“This is ideal for the classrooms and it fits the Superintendent/Special Sheriff
decor of the school,” he said. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department
“Our guys are very talented and they enjoy Dedham, Massachusetts
doing this,” said Middlebrooks. “If it’s made of mharris@norfolksheriffma.org
wood, we can build anything you need.”
In addition to helping the schools, the men COMMISSION VICE-CHAIR
are honing their skills for finding jobs when they Jared Schechter, CJM
reenter society, according to Programs Director Colonel/Jail Administrator
Tracey Arbuthnot. Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office
Wichita, Kansas
“It’s amazing what they are able to do with jared.schechter@sedgwick.gov
those pallets,” she said. “Who could tell by look-
ing at them that these bookcases were constructed
from discarded pallets? You can’t.” COMMISSIONERS
Amber Redmond, CJM
Deputy Director
How the Idea Was Born Douglas County Department of Corrections
The idea for the project originated during Omaha, Nebraska
a discussion between Middlebrooks and amber.redmond@douglascounty-ne.gov
Higginbotham. WCCF had donated $1,200 to the
school district and 400 clear plastic water bottles Henry Reyes, MAM, MPA, CJM, CCE
to the middle school, which were valued at $500. Chief Deputy Detention Bureau/Housing
Higginbotham suggested going a step further by Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office
building and donating the bookcases. Fort Worth, Texas
When Middlebrooks talked about the type of HReyes@tarrantcounty.com
wood that could be used, he said Higginbotham
took the idea and ran with it. She ended up on John Johnson, PhD, CJM
Pinterest where she found examples of bookcases Division Chief
made from pallets. And the rest is history, he said. Miami Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Department
Miami, Florida
“We’re glad Michelle came up with this idea,” John.Johnson@miamidade.gov
Middlebrooks said. He assured Bradford and Ross
that the donation of the bookcases is not a one-
time project. Rather, he said, it is something that
will continue.
“I’m so glad we’re partners with you,” said
Bradford.
“And we’re also glad to be partners with you,”
Middlebrooks replied.
WCCF houses more than 900 male offenders.

ROSCOE BARNES III, PhD
Chaplain/Public Information Officer (PIO)
Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
Woodville, Mississippi

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