After almost 20 years at the Daviess County Detention Center, jail deputy Deborah Mitchell recently decided it was time to finally retire.
April 30 was her last day, and Mitchell said she loved every minute of her job.
“It’s been 20 years. It’s time to do something different,” she said.
Before moving to Owensboro, Mitchell worked as a correctional officer at a women’s prison in Indianapolis for four years. When she came to Owensboro in 1994, she worked at Dismas Charities for six years before taking a position at the jail.
Mitchell said in those days she didn’t have to go through a lot of training, whereas recruits today train for several months. She said part of the training is because the jails have also become much more technologically advanced.
Jailer Art Maglinger said Mitchell left a lasting imprint at DCDC.
“Throughout her career, she was recognized numerous times for her professionalism and strong work ethic,” he said. “Being firm, fair and consistent will get you far in Corrections, and Deputy Mitchell certainly displayed those attributes on a daily basis.”
She said even though the turnover rate is high for such positions, the job didn’t wear her out.
Post-retirement, Mitchell said she’ll continue to work part-time with juveniles at St. Joseph Peace Mission.
“It’s not for everybody; I guess it was made for me,” Mitchell said of her line of work. “You have to have patience to deal with some of the people who come through there.”
