Inmates at Montgomery County Detention Facility graduate Industrial Readiness Training course

Sheriff Fuson, Assistant Chief Deputy Joe Thomas, and community stakeholders held a recognition and graduation ceremony for current and previous inmates of the jail.(Clarksville NowContributed)

June 22, 2022

By Lt. Mark J. Wojnarek - Clarksville Police Department

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – 13 inmates of the Montgomery County Jail were recognized on June 16, 2022 by Sheriff Fuson, Assistant Chief Deputy Joe Thomas, and community stakeholders with an Industrial Readiness Training Course graduation ceremony.

The program is part of the State initiative in collaboration with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to lower recidivism rates among persons released from jail.  The program established is a 48-hour hands-on education program with a desire these men would re-enter society with a trade they could immediately put to use.

Some of the skills taught in the Industrial Readiness Program included: Communications, Emotional Intelligence, Glub Box and Mechanical – Basic Components, OSHA 10, Building Relationships, Machine Adjustment Fundamentals, and Team Work in a Manufacturing Setting.

“This first graduation helps pave the way to success for these thirteen inmates,” Sheriff Fuson said. “The goal may be to help reduce recidivism, but there is a person behind every inmate that is in my custody. Many have never had the opportunity to learn a new skill, work-trade or even understand how that skill or trade may change the course of their life. This program gives them that opportunity.

Fuson also thanked the programs partners: Nashville State Community College, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS), Montgomery County Economic Development Council, Industrial Development Board (IDB) and Workforce Essentials

“I look forward to partnering with many others who have reached out to us, to expand to other impactful programs in the near future.”

“Sheriff Fuson and I have worked to create a series of new inmate programs designed to give those re-entering society from incarceration a better chance at landing a job or even a career. This program is the first of many to come with our eye towards lowering recidivism rates. We are fortunate to have such passionate stakeholders willing to lend their expertise to this program. We wish these program graduates good luck,” Assistant Chief Deputy Thomas said.

Sheriff Fuson presented each graduate their certificate, congratulated them, and wished them great success in their future endeavors.