Clarendon Detention employees receive state awards

MANNING - Two employees at the Clarendon County Detention Center earned state awards at the South Carolina Jail Administrators Association's Annual Conference Sept. 18-21 in Myrtle Beach.

Col. Shelton L. Hughes Jr., director of the Clarendon County Detention Center, was recognized as the Jail Administrator of the Year, and a second-in-command at the CCDC, Maj. Thomasenia McBride, was recognized as the organization's Supervisor of the Year.

Hughes has served at the Clarendon County Detention Center for more than 24 years and is the longest continuously serving jail administrator at the same facility in South Carolina.

Hughes is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and possesses an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Beaufort Technical College and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina Update. Hughes began his career at the CCDC in 1998 after serving the Beaufort County Detention Center, where he spent 10 years and climbed the ranks from correctional officer to deputy director.

Jail Administrator Capt. Nick Gallam of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office nominated Hughes for the award.

"Administrator Hughes has all the qualities a jail leader should embody," Gallam said. "Over the last three decades, Shelton has continuously provided servant leadership at his facility and within our association. He has always sought out training to broaden his knowledge and increase his ability to lead, having recently graduated from the inaugural class of the Southern Coastal Jail Leadership Initiative. Shelton's leadership shines through his employees, and you can clearly tell he has earned their respect. He has served as a role model for many in this state, including myself."

Hughes' wife, Vernessa, and his grandson, Kamari, attended the award presentation.

Hughes nominated McBride for her commitment to the CCDC and the community.

"Maj. Thomasenia McBride has been a committed, dedicated and highly motivated detention professional for over 33 years," Hughes said. "Her zest for this noble profession has not waned over time, and she continues to operate at an optimum level of performance while demanding no less of those under her direction and mentorship."

McBride, who has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Benedict College, began her career at the CCDC as a correctional officer in 1989. She proved herself as a hardworking, bright, courageous and well-grounded public servant as she ascended through the ranks from shift officer to booking supervisor, shift supervisor, training lieutenant/PREA coordinator and administrative captain to her current title of major of administrative services.

Hughes described McBride as "an exceptionally gifted asset to the detention center."

"She has served with honor and dignity throughout her career," he added. "She was instrumental in establishing our pre-service and in-service training programs, reorganizing our inmate records system, the digitalization of records and developing more efficient work processes for personnel under her direction. She worked tirelessly to ensure compliance when PREA protocols were mandated. She constantly seeks self-improvement and ways to improve the work processes and environment for staff and those we manage and care for. She serves as a mentor to both the newly hired and seasoned veteran staff. She possesses a wealth of broad knowledge."

McBride holds numerous certifications including Academy-Certified Instructor, member of American Jail Association, S.C. Administrators Association, South Carolina Training Officers Association and several other professional associations. She faithfully served SCJAA with annual conference support for many years. She is an active member of Antioch RMUE Church of Pinewood, where she serves on multiple boards and committees. She also volunteers her time as a counselor and mentor for at-risk teenage girls.

Hughes, McBride and the entire staff at the CCDC are actively involved in the community. For more than 20 years, the detention center has hosted and sponsored the Helping Hands Luncheon, giving children and families a helping hand at Christmas time. They also work with various charitable organizations, giving their time and efforts to helping others.

Hughes and McBride attended the conference along with Capts. Robert Felder and Foster Sumpter, Lt. Rodney Reed, Gunnery Sgt. SiQuena Witherspoon and Staff Sgt. Neil Dorman.