In an achievement that sets a new standard for the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Detentions Deputy Daniel Kell has earned the Certified Jail Officer designation from the American Jail Association’s Jail Manager Certification Commission. It’s not just a title—it’s a reflection of his perseverance, dedication, and drive for excellence in the corrections field.

The honor comes with a significant level of effort, requiring extensive training, testing, and real-world experience. And for Deputy Kell, the road to certification wasn’t without its challenges.

A Rigorous Path to Certification

As one of the first in his position to receive this national recognition, Deputy Kell has set a precedent for his peers in the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. The journey to certification is no small feat—it involves rigorous coursework, hands-on training, and passing a tough exam. For Kell, it required overcoming personal hurdles.

“I wasn’t the greatest in school, so this was a little bit of a push for me,” said Kell. “But it was very in-depth. You must know your stuff to be able to get everything answered correctly.” His candidness about the struggle reflects the tenacity that it took to earn this milestone.

Though the process was challenging, Deputy Kell found the value in the learning. The certification process isn’t just about passing tests—it’s about mastering the knowledge necessary to manage a jail facility effectively and safely.

Breaking New Ground

The news of Kell’s certification is especially significant. He is the first Detentions Deputy within the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office to achieve this national distinction. It’s a groundbreaking accomplishment, not only for him but for the entire department.

Kell’s commitment to professional development serves as a model for his colleagues. “It’s such a relief,” Kell shared. “Being able to sleep and not having to study on days off and learn all that information every chance I can. Now I get to take a little bit of a break before I start working on the next set of stuff.”

Yet, the break is brief—Deputy Kell isn’t the type to rest on his laurels. The certification may be a major achievement, but Kell sees it as a stepping stone, not the finish line.

The Relentless Drive for Improvement

For Deputy Kell, the pressure to constantly improve doesn’t go away after receiving this honor. In fact, he views the certification as adding even more responsibility to his role.

“I don’t see it as I can relax necessarily with the career stuff anymore. I see it as more pressure put on me to keep pushing and learning and getting better,” Kell remarked. “The moment you start getting relaxed or complacent is when people start getting hurt.”

This attitude speaks volumes about Kell’s commitment not just to his personal growth but also to his team’s success. The environment within a correctional facility demands continuous attention, vigilance, and education, and Kell understands the critical nature of this. “I’m here making my team better,” he said. “If we can all start getting that education process going and be able to learn more and more, we can help our community.”

A Focus on Community Safety

Deputy Kell’s perspective extends far beyond the walls of the jail. His goal has always been to make the community safer, inside and outside the facility. “My goal has always been that I’m not here working for me,” he explained. “I’m here making my team better, and if we can all start getting that education process going and be able to learn more and more, we can help our community.”

It’s not about personal accolades for Kell; it’s about working together with his colleagues to enhance safety and improve the conditions for both inmates and staff. Whether it’s dealing with day-to-day operations or responding to the unique challenges of jail management, Kell believes that the more educated and prepared the team is, the better they can serve the public.

This mindset aligns perfectly with the Sheriff’s Office’s overarching mission of community involvement and service. By focusing on the continuous education of staff, Deputy Kell helps elevate the standard of care provided within the jail system, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for the broader community.