Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department Creates Positive Change: Detention Center Inmates and Deputies Complete Federal Forklift Safety Certification

Editor’s Note: Investing in Second Chances

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office program highlighted in this article represents a crucial aspect of criminal justice often overlooked: rehabilitation through workforce development.

**Did You Know?** The United States incarcerates more people than any other nation—approximately 2 million individuals—despite having less than 5% of the global population. Housing an adult inmate costs taxpayers an average of $35,000 to $45,000 annually, while juvenile detention runs even higher at $50,000 to $150,000 per year. I wish I could tell you that every county commissioner, state representative, alderman, councilman and mayor cares about this issue, which is not only a conservative issue, but a faith issue as well. Let’s be real—most don’t care.

Programs like the OSHA-certified forklift training course offer a pragmatic alternative to recidivism. By providing inmates with marketable skills and professional certifications, these initiatives address one of the most significant barriers to successful reentry: employability.

As Matthew Hudgins observed after completing the program, “It feels like you’re here not just to be punished but to have something to fall back on.” Research consistently shows that employment after release is one of the strongest predictors of whether someone will stay out of the criminal justice system and provide for themselves and their families. Doesn’t that sound “fiscally conservative?”

Matthew 25:36 reminds us of what Jesus said, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” In a nation that spends billions annually on incarceration, investing in programs that restore dignity and reduce recidivism isn’t just compassionate—it’s fiscally responsible and spiritually sound. Ask your leaders, “What are you doing to help others?” If they give you the “deer in the headlights” look, please don’t vote for them.

Men of Valor program helps the Incarcerated with Year Long Re-Entry Program

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office

             Matthew Hudgins hopes earning his certification as a forklift operator will give him an advantage when rejoining the work force.

                He was one of nine Rutherford County Adult Detention Center inmates assigned to work details and six Sheriff’s Office maintenance deputies who completed a federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration class about safe operations of tow motors.

Maintenance Lt. Devin Storie and Cpl. Andy Pugh are certified instructors who taught the forklift operations class. The course included classroom instruction, physical testing with the forklift and a 60-question written test.

Storie said the certification will allow the inmates under supervision to operate machinery to do jobs such as unloading trucks, fixing street lights and working on projects requiring a lift.

“Inmates will be able to operate forklifts when they get out and get a job,” Storie said. “They will be certified to operate a forklift safely and how they are supposed to according to the OSHA regulations from the hands-on class.”

Pugh said the inmates can use the certification to help get a job.

“It will give them something to fall back on when they get out of jail,” Pugh said. “They will tend to get a better life instead of going back to the life they had.”

Hudgins drove tow motors for more than 15 years before serving time at the detention center.

                He learned new information in the certification class. The students started up the forklift and learned about the operations of the forklift.

                “It breaks down to safety to operations, safety and science and how it operates,” Hudgins said. “It will definitely give me a heads up on operations and what employers will be looking for. It’s safety and operations and knowledge.”

                When he’s released, Hudgins has a job waiting for him operating a tow motor and a lull forklift with a long reach that lifts heavy loads.

                “I would like to thank the county and the Sheriff’s Office for the opportunity to go through the class,” Hudgins said. “It feels like you’re here not just to be punished but to have something to fall back on. It’s going to help you.”