By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
Wood County, Wis. — The Wood County Sheriff’s Department is recognizing the work of corrections officers following National Corrections Officers Week, observed May 3-9, while also highlighting the continued adjustments staff have faced since transitioning into the county’s expanded jail facility.
During a recent episode of “County Connections,” Wood County Sheriff Shaen Becker said corrections officers play a critical role in the county’s public safety system, even though much of their work happens behind the scenes and outside public view.
“They’re a huge part of our team,” Becker said. “It’s not an easy job, but a big hats off to the Wood County corrections officers.”
Corrections officers are responsible for overseeing inmates after they are booked into the jail by law enforcement officers. Becker said their duties include maintaining security inside the facility, monitoring inmate behavior, conducting welfare checks, coordinating transportation to court appearances and ensuring inmates receive meals, medical attention and access to programs while in custody.
Unlike patrol deputies who spend much of their time in the community responding to emergencies and investigating crimes, corrections officers work in a controlled environment that still presents daily challenges, Becker said.
“It takes a special person to work in corrections,” Becker said during the interview. “They deal with difficult situations every day, and they do it professionally.”
Becker said the county’s jail staff works around the clock, managing inmates with a wide range of needs and backgrounds. While some individuals are held only briefly following an arrest, others remain in custody for weeks or months as felony cases move through the court system.
“A lot of people don’t realize that many inmates are only there for a short period of time — maybe a day or two depending on the offense,” Becker said. “But we also have people there for much longer periods awaiting court proceedings.”
The sheriff said corrections officers are often tasked with balancing security concerns while also helping inmates navigate mental health, addiction and behavioral issues that can complicate jail operations.
The county has spent more than a year adapting to its newer and significantly larger jail facility, Becker said. The expansion was designed to address overcrowding and improve safety and operational efficiency, but moving into the updated facility required major adjustments for staff.
“That adjustment hasn’t been easy when you go from a smaller facility to the size that we have,” Becker said. “But they’ve done a phenomenal job adjusting and making that facility work.”
Becker credited jail leadership, including Captain Ted Ashbeck and Assistant Jail Administrator Susanna Wagner, for helping guide the transition and supporting staff during the process.
According to Becker, corrections staff have had to learn new operational procedures, security systems and inmate management practices while continuing to maintain day-to-day operations without interruption.
The sheriff said recognition during National Corrections Officers Week is important because corrections officers often receive less public attention than other law enforcement personnel despite their critical role in the justice system.
National Corrections Officers Week was established to honor corrections professionals nationwide for their work maintaining order and safety inside jails and prisons. The observance recognizes the responsibilities corrections staff carry each day, including supervising inmates, preventing violence and ensuring facilities operate safely for both staff and inmates.
Becker said the work performed by corrections officers is essential to the overall function of the sheriff’s department and public safety efforts across Wood County.
“They do a tremendous job,” Becker said. “We appreciate everything they do for this county.”