Rutherford County, TN -  Sergeant Eldon “Chet” Currey (left in photo), Training Coordinator for the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center, has been named Facility Training Officer of the Year by the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI). The award was presented during the TCI Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 23, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville South Cool Springs.

This prestigious honor recognizes a full-time certified training officer who demonstrates exceptional professionalism, leadership, and dedication to advancing training and education within a correctional facility. Currey was selected for his outstanding commitment to developing innovative and up-to-date training programs that enhance the preparedness, safety, and professionalism of correctional staff.

As Training Coordinator, Currey has played a key role in modernizing training practices, ensuring staff receive relevant and practical instruction that reflects the evolving demands of today’s correctional environment. His leadership has led to measurable improvements in training operations and has strengthened the overall effectiveness of staff development within the agency. His work has also served as a model for other facilities across Tennessee.

Rutherford County Correctional Work Center Superintendent William Cope, who has worked alongside Currey for nearly three decades across multiple facilities, praised his dedication and impact.

“Sergeant Currey’s commitment to excellence in training has had a lasting influence on our staff and operations,” Cope said. “His ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in this critical area makes him truly deserving of this recognition. This award reflects his unwavering dedication to the profession of corrections and his continued efforts to elevate training standards. I am very proud of his achievements and his service to Rutherford County.”

Currey expressed gratitude upon receiving the honor.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be nominated for this award,” Currey said. “I’m grateful for the trust my supervisors have placed in me. I also thank the staff of the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center for applying the training each day to help change the lives of returning citizens.”

This marks the fourth major TCI honor for the Correctional Work Center in the past five years:

• Superintendent William Cope – 2021 Administrator of the Year
• Lieutenant Thad Oclaray – 2022 Training Officer of the Year
• Corporal Kim Salyer – 2025 Facilitator of the Year
• Sergeant Eldon Currey – 2026 Training Officer of the Year

Photo Below: Picture of Award Recipient (L-R) Sergeant Eldon Currey, Will Wall, Executive Director of Tennessee Corrections Institute.