There will be something of a “changing of the guard” come January 2015 at the Clinton County Jail, but the transition should be an easier one than most when Johnny Thrasher will take the helm as Clinton County Jailer.

Thrasher, 67, will take over for long-time jailer Gene Ferrill, who will be retiring after the current term that ends after this month. (A separate article on Ferrill’s retirement can also be found in this week’s Clinton County News.)

The change in leadership should be a smooth one, considering that Thrasher–up until a couple of years ago–had served as a Deputy Jailer, including several years under Ferrill, for a combined 17 years, thus he is well aware of the duties and responsibilities the position carries.

Other than working at the jail, Thrasher, a life-long resident and native of Clinton County, is no stranger to hard work as he has been a farmer most of his life, raising cattle and growing tobacco, although he admits the latter isn’t as profitable as it once was.

When asked why he chose to seek the office, he said that while he was serving as deputy jailer, “I always wanted to run for one term myself” after having worked there that long he said.

The jailer-elect also said to expect ‘very little changes’ in the way the jail has been running and will continue to be maintained. He said there may be some, but very little, staffing changes and added, “it (jail) will run about the same way it always has been and we’ll make sure everyone does their jobs.”

Thrasher also added the facility will be run according to all local, state and federal regulations, as it pertains to detention facilities and staffing quotas.

“My main priority, as it always has been, is keeping the jail safe,” Thrasher said.

Jailers are required 40 hours annual training and deputy jailers are required 16 hours updated training each year. Also, there has got to be two male staff members available at all times and at least one female to handle female inmates who are brought into the facility.

Thrasher feels his best qualification for the jailer’s job is the experience of being a deputy jailer for so many years. “I have caught more people trying to sneak drugs and contraband in here than just about anybody,” he added.

The jailer-elect admits the job “is not an easy one, and also a challenging one,” but one that someone has to do.

Thrasher said he would make sure that all inmates were treated fairly and equally, “that’s a must,” he said.

Thrasher also commended his predecessor, Jailer Ferrill, saying he was an outstanding man and that he’d never worked for a better person or friend. He also said he looked forward to the duties of the job and working with all other elected officials and others and thanked the voters for putting their confidence in him to do the job.

Thrasher is married to Betty Collins Thrasher and they have two children, Jeff Thrasher and Karen Thrasher Witham and also have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.