FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 3, 2020) - Kentucky Department of Corrections acting Commissioner Randy White today announced that Debbie Grimes has been named western region commander of the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT).
“Through her institutional and training experience, Grimes certainly has the qualifications to support CNT in a commander role,” said White. “She is respected by staff with a fundamental knowledge of operations and organizational skills that will benefit her in this role.”
Grimes began her career as a correctional officer at Western Kentucky Correctional Complex (WKCC) in 2010. After joining CNT in 2011, she was later named institutional team leader. Grimes became a member of the CNT state training team in 2017.
Grimes was promoted to sergeant in 2013 and special detailed to institutional training coordinator in 2015. As training coordinator, she was responsible for teaching in-service, supervising the field training and new employee orientation programs, and ensuring the staff transitioned from the revolver to Glock. In 2017, she served as the institutional ADA coordinator and adjustment committee chairperson. She received another promotion in 2018 to recreation leader.
Grimes was a recipient of the WKCC Achievement Award in 2015.