Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman is pleased to announce that two supervisors in the agency’s Courts and Corrections Division have received national recognition.
Major Ricky Frye was recognized by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) for his work as the commander of the Corrections and Court Services Division and First Lieutenant Charles Richardson was recognized by the American Jail Association for his work as a supervisor in the Corrections section. “I could not be prouder and more pleased two of our top officials received the highest national recognition possible for their work at the Adult Detention Center,” said Sheriff Chapman.
Major Rick Frye received the 2013 National Sheriff’s Association’s Corrections/Jail Innovation of the Year Award. This prestigious national award recognized Major Frye for his significant accomplishments directly related to improving the operations in the Corrections/Jail environment.
Upon the election of Sheriff Chapman, Major Frye was tasked with overseeing the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center (ADC) that was running at 50% capacity and had a second wing that was behind schedule in its delivery. This forced the agency to transport inmates throughout the state, costing Loudoun County an additional $1 million per year on agency housing and inmate transportation.
Frye immediately applied best practices and immediately improved service by eliminating unnecessary projects that delayed the opening of Phase II of the detention center. Phase II was opened in February 2012, moving ahead of the previously projected schedule. By May 2012, all Loudoun responsible inmates (approximately 200) had been returned to the Loudoun County ADC, increasing the inmate population to over 100%.
During his tenure Frye has also improved technology, efficiency, and the professionalism within the ADC. His efforts have produced an annual savings of over $1.2 million dollars a year. “Major Frye’s actions, remarkably, all occurred within an eight month period,” said Sheriff Chapman. “His leadership skills have saved the county millions of dollars, improved morale, and made the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center a model within the State of Virginia to follow.”
Frye is a 25-year law enforcement veteran who has served in leadership positions in Field Operations, Criminal and Narcotics Investigations and Corrections and Court Services.
First Lieutenant Charles Richardson received the 2013 American Jail Association Correctional Supervisor of the Year Award. This award recognizes those correctional supervisors who show exceptional dedication and who work long and hard to accomplish the goals of their agency to ensure their organizations continue to grow professionally.
First Lieutenant Richardson was recognized for his work in safely and securely operating the opening of Phase II of the ADC by developing a new staffing plan to accommodate the additional 118,000 square feet of space and 350 additional beds. “This task was much more complicated than it may appear,” said Major Frye. “This required a transition for staff as they trained to occupy and operate Phase II, as well as manage additional duties and inmates.”
First Lieutenant Richardson was also recognized for several other leadership actions taken during the past year. This included establishing procedures both locally and regionally for the Department of Justice’s national Prison Rape Elimination Act and developing a Facility Research Committee to tour and compare regional correctional facilities. This committee compared methods of operation of six facilities over the past year and will recommend some alternative methods of operation for implementation.
Richards also showed his ability to quickly act in a unique situation. After a June 2012 storm, called the Derecho, the ADC lost power and a back-up generator malfunctioned leaving the ADC with minimal auxiliary power. Richardson was able to adapt to an emergency situation, maintain security in the facility and helped restore power with the assistance of a fellow employee.
First Lieutenant Richardson received his award in May 2013 at the AJA’s 32nd Annual Conference and Jail Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Major Frye received his award at the NSA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Charlotte, NC in June 2013.