Booking FTO John Elliott, CJO, of the Wins the Valor Award

A Rutherford County Adult Detention Center corrections officer who removed a loaded handgun from an inmate being booked earned the 2025 Valor Award from the American Jail Association’s Awards Committee.

Field Training Officer John Elliott removed the handgun from the inmate safely when the inmate was being booked into the detention center in October 2023.

AJA gives this coveted award to an individual who demonstrated unusual judgment, zeal, bravery, and/or ingenuity that averted or minimized a potential disaster.

Any corrections professional who displayed actions above and beyond the call of duty, showcasing extraordinary decision-making, presence of mind and swiftness of action to save the life of any person or people in imminent danger, thereby demonstrating great courage or heroism, is eligible to receive the Valor Award.

During a booking process, Elliott observed a firearm concealed within the inmate’s clothing. Without regard for his own personal safety, Elliott gained control of the firearm. A review after the incident found that the weapon was loaded and chambered with a total of 11 rounds.

“He had a gun and could have shot anybody,” Elliott said. “I didn’t want that to happen. Anybody else in booking would have done the same thing.”

Elliott’s persistence and dedication to safety and security while serving as a Booking Officer has been a point of inspiration for other staff members and exemplifies the innate bravery required of corrections officers every day across the nation.

He worked as a corrections deputy two years at the Warren County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in 2021.

Elliott transferred to booking in 2023 where he prevented inmates attempting to bring narcotics into the facility numerous times.

He is an AJA certified corrections officer who loves his job, especially the direction he’s received from his supervisor, Booking Sgt. Jacob Hibdon.

Besides locating the handgun, Elliott also recovered a knife from an inmate in October 2023. The arrestee was belligerent and noncompliant with officers.

Elliott is married to Alexis, who is a nurse.

This award will be presented to Elliott at AJA’s 44th Conference & Jail Expo May 20 during the awards banquet in Fort Worth, Texas.