Inmates at the Daviess County Detention Center recently constructed picnic tables for the City of Whitesville, a project that officials say benefits both the community and the men involved.
The initiative was led by Deputy James Emmick, who said the work highlights what inmates can contribute while gaining skills for the future.
“This is something that the community can see we do at the jail — some things that these guys learn, tasks to do, and the quality of work that these guys can do to hopefully help them find jobs after they get out,” Emmick said. “We’d like to build this into a give-back program that continues to benefit the community.”
Whitesville Mayor Patsy Mayfield said the City is grateful to receive the tables for its park, where inmate workers already help with mowing.
“I really appreciate all the work that they do, and they have helped the City of Whitesville park out so much by mowing every week, and these picnic tables really come in handy,” Mayfield said. “This community will be grateful that we have extra picnic tables, especially when we have events going on and ball games. It’s been a good partnership, and I just can’t thank them enough.”
For inmate Damion Hayes, the chance to contribute was meaningful.
“It took us probably about an hour to build each one of them, and then staining them took about an hour or something like that,” Hayes said. “It gives me pleasure to do that, give back to the community like that. It’s an opportunity to do something positive, and working with the guys I worked with made it even better.”
Jailer Art Maglinger praised the effort, saying it reflects the detention center’s commitment to community involvement.
“DCDC is proud to show support for the Whitesville community,” Maglinger said. “This project is a great way for these inmate workers to learn practical skills that will benefit them in the future, and a small way to give back to our community. I want to recognize Corporal James Hicks, Deputy James Emmick, and the inmate workers involved for their great work on this project.”
