Senior Deputy Bright Onye ensures the safety and security of Athens-Clarke County Jail and its inmates. He does that by working as a team with his fellow officers and by treating everybody, including inmates, like a somebody. That means learning the inmates names, establishing a rapport with inmates, and by keep tense situations from escalating.

Deputy Onye, originally from Nigeria, says he committed to this approach during his training days in the law enforcement program. But he recalls a specific time when he lived in Nigeria that led him to lead the life he does today.

“There was a domestic violence situation. An officer came and removed the aggressor. He made the situation very peaceful. I knew right then and there that, that was what I wanted to do.” Onye recalled.

Sr. Deputy Onye was honored with the Life Saving Recognition Pin when he and other deputies resuscitated an inmate who had suffered major injuries in the jail. His superior, Sergeant James Grimes said Onye’s approach and attitude is an asset to the Athens-Clarke County Jail.

“Deputy Onye is self motivated and is always here with a positive attitude. His way of communicating with the inmates enables him to identify potential problems with inmates sooner because of his personal relationship with them.”

By: Emily Boyer