Detentions
A Message from the Detentions Commander
Hi, my names is Kim Vallario and I am the Commander of the Detention Facility. I moved to the great state of Colorado in 1990 and joined the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 as a Detentions Deputy. Throughout the years, I have held the positions of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant and then was promoted to Commander in 2018. Some of my current responsibilities include: participating, designing, implementing and overseeing the daily operations of the jail according to state statutes and relevant case law, leading a great team of supervisors, ensuring all employees are well supported, trained and treated equally and fairly, and helping develop new assistance programs for inmates, to help them integrate back into this great community.
I really appreciate the way this agency supports its employees. The amount of professional training and the many opportunities the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office provides is impressive. We have been able to create and maintain a professional, teamwork-oriented environment, which helps keep our employees safe, supported and encouraged. As a team, we are able to face the ever-changing challenges that present themselves, utilize the strengths of each individual, build on an ever-growing knowledge base, and compose successful solutions. I have had the pleasure to work alongside each member of our team, watching him or her grow in their career.
I hope you take the time to learn more about our agency and the many opportunities it provides.
Commander Vallario
The Heart of Law Enforcement in Garfield County
The Detentions Division is the heart of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. Detentions Deputies are responsible for booking, transporting and protecting inmates. At the end of the day, the role of a Detentions Deputy is to ensure that everyone goes home safe - both deputies and inmates.
The Garfield County Jail is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The jail can house up to 225 inmates who can be classified from low security to high security. Deputies work as a team over the course of a 12 hour shift.
Detentions is a vital role in Law Enforcement and can be a very rewarding career. It can also serve as a great introduction into Law Enforcement. Many of our current Patrol Deputies and investigators started their careers at the Garfield County Jail.
Great Team
Join a highly professional and dedicated team in the Detentions Division. The detentions staff make up a huge part of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office which is one large agency of dedicated and hard-working professionals.
Rewarding
This is a career with a purpose. What you do daily truly matters. Your role as a Detentions Deputy helps serve the criminal justice system and keeps our community safe.
Training
Sheriff Vallario believes that training is essential in providing quality service to members of the community. From Career Path development, to officer safety, training plays an important role. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office backs this belief by having a mandatory 96 hours of in-house training per year. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office is committed to sending deputies to training outside the agency to enhance their skill sets and job-related interests. The agency also provides opportunities for numerous instructor and teaching opportunities and has a clearly defined career path for advancement.
Detentions Has Three Job Areas:
Detentions Deputy
A Detentions Deputy is responsible for the safety and security of inmates housed at the Garfield County Jail. During the course of a shift, a Detentions Deputy can expect to perform custodial searches of inmates and their cells, book-in and release inmates, take fingerprints, and monitor both low and high risk security areas.
Detentions Specialist
A Detentions Specialist monitors all sensitive areas both inside and outside of the detention facility. They also help maintain security in the Sheriffs Office and the Court House to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.
Court Services
Court Services Deputies are responsible for transporting inmates from medical appointments, court appearances and to other facilities. These deputies are also responsible for extraditions from other states and countries.
Why We Enjoy Working Here:
Detentions Deputy - M. Fulton
“The opportunities are endless here at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, ranging from a variety of different training possibilities, promotional growth and personal development. I take pride in all that I do and have accomplished in my career. I am proud to call myself a Deputy and Field Training Officer with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. If you find yourself wondering what it’s like being a Garfield County Deputy, don’t hesitate, and just go for it!”
Detentions Deputy - S. McGruder
“I enjoy working for GCSO because I am goal oriented. GCSO has a defined career path that allows you to progress at your own pace. GCSO offers many different kinds of trainings, instructorships and special assignments. At GCSO training and advancement are encouraged. For someone like myself, who likes to work towards a goal, the only thing that limits me here is my own motivation.”
Detentions Deputy - R. Rhule
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This saying is NOT in the vocabulary or mindset here at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. I started my employment in law enforcement as a Second Career Deputy and have never been discouraged or frowned upon in fulfilling a rewarding and active career here. In fact, being a bit more mature is looked upon as a positive. Individuals who have been “around the block a time or two,” bring life experiences and learned skills, which impact this organization in a very positive manner. As a seasoned individual, I have been given the opportunity mentor and coach many who are much younger than myself to keep their career goals focused, moving in a positive direction and help them advance in the direction of their choice.
Shadow a Detentions Deputy
Come take a tour of the Garfield County Jail and speak to some Detentions Deputies. This is a great opportunity to explore the career, learn about Law Enforcement, and get more information about the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office.