Cpl. Ray Cobb retires after 36 years at the Adult Detention Center

Cpl. Ray Cobb retires after 36 years at the Adult Detention Center

Cpl. Ray Cobb got tired of driving to his state prison job in Nashville 36 years ago so he took a turn working at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office’s Adult Detention Center.

Now, he’s retiring with almost 40 years working as a corrections officer and the rank of corporal.

Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh and fellow employees gathered and wished him well during a retirement ceremony Monday.

“We’re here to celebrate Ray,” Fitzhugh said. “We’re going to miss you.”

Cobb said he’s experienced a lot of changes in 36 years.

He appreciates his co-workers.

“I hope I have been a good influence on you,” Cobb said.

When Cobb started working at the detention center, the jail capacity was about 100 inmates. Only three people worked on the midnight shift, two in booking and one in the tower overlooking the cells. One of the booking deputies walked through the cells every hour to check on deputies.

There were no women detention deputies. Women deputies working in records went to the jail to check on inmates every hour and delivered meals and medications. Records were kept by paper.

Since then, the county constructed a new detention center with a capacity of about 956 inmates. About five detention supervisors and deputies are assigned to booking during each shift.

Women deputies work throughout the jail. The jail is staffed by nurses all the time.

“When I started here, the uniform was jeans with a T-shirt,” Cobb remembered. “Our only equipment was handcuffs and a radio. Now, we have handcuffs, spray, a radio, Narcan, gloves and uniforms.”

Working in detention is a tough job that’s not geared for everyone.

“It takes honesty, integrity and respect,” Cobb said.

Technology improved the record keeping that made the job easier.

“I’d say everything is better now compared to what was then,” Cobb said.

Cobb reflected on his career.

“I tried to make a difference in the inmates’ lives,” Cobb said. “I tried to be firm, fair and consistent.”

As corporal, he tried to be a role model.

“I hope I’ve been a positive influence for inmates and employees,” Cobb said.

Cobb plans to spend more time with his mother, Oma Brenner, and his children, Jessica Bramlett, Leann Cobb, Matthew Cobb and Olivia Cobb, and his grandchildren.