RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Two deputies from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Adult Detention Center received top honors at the annual Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) conference last week.

Sgt. Adam Sowden was named State Corrections Officer of the Year, while Field Training Officer (FTO) John Elliott earned the Middle Tennessee Correction Officer of the Year award. These accolades were presented during TCI’s Jail Issues and FTO Annual Conference.

Sowden, a dedicated advocate for education, recently completed his bachelor’s degree at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. He promotes ongoing professional development for correctional officers at the Adult Detention Center. Notably, Sowden authored an article titled "Leadership Is Not a Skill to be Mastered" for Corrections One magazine.

Sowden also became the first corrections officer from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office to earn the prestigious "Certified Jail Supervisor" designation from the American Jail Association, joining a select group of only 47 officers nationwide at the time. Additionally, he played a key role in fostering a second-shift culture focused on improving behavior, core values, and a mission statement that has since been embraced by the staff.

Meanwhile, FTO Elliott, who works in booking, has demonstrated exceptional vigilance during inmate intake procedures. In one notable incident, Elliott removed a loaded firearm from a new inmate, which had been missed by the arresting officer. Over the course of 42 separate incidents, he has also confiscated illegal drugs—including powder and crack cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and psychedelic mushrooms—while processing inmates, potentially preventing life-threatening situations.

Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh expressed his pride in the deputies, stating, “I am very proud of these two individuals and their accomplishments as they represent the men and women of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. They embody the professionalism and pride that all of our deputies have in serving the citizens of Rutherford County.”

Jail Administrator Kevin Henderson echoed those sentiments, praising Sowden’s dedication and leadership, and commending Elliott for his life-saving actions. "Sowden strives to be the best, and he leads by example," said Henderson. "As for Elliott, he may have saved lives inside the facility by preventing a potential overdose or firearm incident."