Six inmates made history Thursday when they graduated from an electrical class taught by Tennessee Technology Center at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.

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VERBATIM:  "You can do whatever you set your mind to do," said Robert Arnold.  Inmates who completed the class learned a skill to get a decent-paying job and the ability to take care of their families, the sheriff said. Offering the class follow the sheriff’s philosophy of, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day but teach a man to fish and he will eat for life.” Teaching inmates skills may reduce their chance of returning to jail.

Inmates who graduated from the 48-hour course were Jason Grant, Sean Williams, John Lamendola, Brian Dumm, Troy Comer and Remington Allison. Deputy Keith Fann also took the class and graduates. Inmates’ families paid about $300 for the class taught by David Lewis. His wife, Jenetta, who also works at TTC, found lower cost books for the class.

A wiring class is scheduled to begin in May.

Sheriff Arnold said TTC Teacher Sheree McBurney spoke to him about the classes before he became sheriff. After his election, the detention center staff worked with TTC Director Dr. Lynn Kreider to establish the class at the jail.

Dr. Kreider told the graduates he took his first college class at age 28, supporting himself and his family with a variety of jobs. He’s now earned four degrees.

“It all comes down to choices,” Dr. Kreider said, later adding, “Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t.”

Lt. Chris Deal coordinated the class with Detention Center Commander Guy Goff and Capt. Derrell Cagle .

Lt. Deal thanked Dr. Kreider, teacher David Lewis and his wife, Jenetta, for their help in teaching the class and locating the textbooks.

Capt. Cagle told the graduates they accepted responsibility for their past mistakes and now are moving forward.

“Do the best you can,” Capt. Cagle said. “Be the best you can.”

Source:

Lisa Marchesoni
Public information officer
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office