Corrections Hero Dedicates Career to Improving Lives, Inside and Outside Washington County’s Jail Walls
Every month, San Francisco-based inmate technology leader Telmate recognizes one corrections hero for their dedication and leadership. This January, the company is honoring an exceptional man whose true passion is to serve his community, both inside and outside its jail walls
January Telmate Hero of the Month Chief Deputy Jake Schultz has been a public servant for over 15 years. After a 5-year tenure with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, Schultz relocated to Utah in 2004 and joined the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. He has served in various roles in Housing, Booking, Investigations and SWAT. In 2007, he was appointed to his current position as Chief Deputy and assigned as the Jail Commander for the Purgatory Correctional Facility.
“Corrections is what I love and what I have a true passion for,” said Schultz. The Chief Deputy instructs internally within his own agency as well as externally for other law enforcement and educational entities, including the Utah Sheriff’s Association, the Utah Jail Commander’s Association, the Arizona Detention Association and Dixie State University. Among his many accomplishments, Schultz has served as the Corrections Coordinator for the Basic Corrections Officer Academy, which is offered through Dixie State University, since 2012.
Since 2014, Schultz has been using inmate technology leader, Telmate to help accelerate the evolution of the county’s rehabilitative mission. According to Schultz, Telmate has helped increase security, efficiency and accountability in Washington County. Additionally, inmates now have expanded access to current events, internal and external media and literature and, and most importantly — their loved ones. What’s more, the system adds an additional layer of inmate responsibility and independence. “These types of independent actions may seem trivial, but they can be pivotal to the rehabilitative process,” said Schultz.
In addition to his role as Chief Deputy, Schultz coaches football and basketball teams. He also mentors over 50 children between the ages of 9-13 through as part of a youth sports program. “By leading these children to a meaningful and purposeful life, I believe we are breaking the cycle of recidivism, before it even starts” he said.
When the local hero was asked what he values most as Deputy Chief, he replied that it’s “to never lose sight of the big picture, and to never forget who we truly serve.”
He added, “I want to leave not just this career, but this life, knowing that I had a positive impact on as many people’s lives, whether they were staff, citizens or inmates, as I could.”
Telmate receives nominations from their 300+ facilities in recognition of the true heroes in corrections that use the company’s technology, day in and day out. The company recognizes these heroes by selecting one Hero of the Month to honor for their dedication and leadership.
