News : Benton County Jail recognized as the Best of the Best

Staff at the Benton County Jail have a lot to be proud of, they are officially the Best of the Best

The Benton County Jail is the place that you want to go...if you have to go to jail.

The Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association recognized Benton County Jail as "Best of the Best" in 2019. In their statement, they said the following concerning the jail.

"2019 is the second year the "Best of the Best" jail award has been presented. To be considered for the award, several things are taken into consideration. They include but not limited to cleanliness, maintenance, management, major improvements, overall operations of the jail, staff professionalism. The jails in Iowa meet or exceed the minimum standards as set forth by the Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code.

A total of six jails in three categories, small-medium-large, will be recognized for outstanding achievements this past year.

Small: Chickasaw County and Shelby County

Medium: Benton County and Buena Vista County

Large: Linn County and Scott County

Congratulations on a job well done!"

Pictured receiving the plaque above are Chief Deputy John Lindaman, Jail Operations Supervisor Rusty Denison, Jail Operations Support Supervisor LaDonna Fairbanks, and Sheriff Ron Tippett.

Benton County falls into the medium size with the ability to house 38 inmates and a maximum short term capacity of 43 inmates. "Benton County has gone above and beyond the minimum requirements to be in contention for this award," said Sheriff Tippett. "The jail staff and jail administration have worked extremely hard to bring our facility to the level of operation that we have today. Our jail staff, work together as a unit, critiquing job performance and jail operations. The Benton County Board of Supervisors approved additional funding which allowed for new positions and the appointment of two Jail supervisory staff that continue to work within the jail division."

Pictured in the group photo are from left to right:

Row 1: Alexandra Fox, Amy Benson, Keith Mel, Brandon Geiger, LaDonna Fairbanks Jail Support Staff Supervisor, Brannen Hudson, Shelly Flickinger-Williams

Row 2: Caleb Stewart, Rusty Denison Jail Operations Supervisor, John Lindaman Jail Administrator, Dennis Eden, Phil Close, Darien Smothers, Tina Fowler.

Not Pictured: Davontez Roberts, Adrieonna Hennings, Ben Eden.

In other news from the department, Deputy Blake Henkle along with Deputies from Washington, Johnson, Louisa, Linn, and Lyon, Counties attend the ILEA (Iowa Law Enforcement Academy) graduation in West Des Moines on Friday. As members of the ISSDA Honor Guard, Deputies assist with the ceremony for graduating Officers and Deputies.

Thank you for all you do, Deputy Henkle!