Kerry Pelfrey grew up as a farmer with his family in Montgomery County.

In his early working years, Pelfrey kept farming.

“I used to raise about 100 acres of corn, 200 acres of hay and beef cattle,” he said.

When his son was born 20 years ago, things changed.

Pelfrey said he didn’t want his wife to have to work to pay for babysitters or daycare, so he looked around for a second job that was compatible with farming. Pelfrey said he knew Montgomery County’s jailer at the time and asked for a job.

For the next 15 years, Pelfrey worked nights at the detention center while farming during the day.

“I tried it out and kept going,” he said. “There’s no money in farming anymore. You barely make enough to cover your taxes.”

About three years ago, Pelfrey was hired at the Clark County Detention Center and presently holds the rank of sergeant. He also serves as one of the instructors.

Pelfrey oversees the crews who work in the community as well as maintenance at the facility.

“I like to be in here and keep people from getting back in trouble,” he said. “I try to be a positive influence.”

After almost two decades of working in corrections, Pelfrey has worked with multiple generations of some families.

“Some of them I’ve had their parents in jail and now I have their kids in jail,” he said. “It’s disheartening. You have to grit your teeth and make the best of it and go on. Some of them you’d let out today and they’d be back in Saturday.”

Pelfrey’s biggest advice is how to treat the inmates.

“Kindness goes a long way to these inmates,” he said. “We’re not here to judge or condemn them. We’re here to make their lives a little easier so they can adjust.

“I try to tell the young deputies to be kind. (The inmates) are people like you and I are.”

The jail can be an intimidating place that deals with all walks of life and people charged with all kinds of crimes, from alcohol intoxication to murder. There can be tragedy, where inmates have taken their own lives, or violence or threats.

“My wife asks me how I put up with it,” Pelfrey said. “I say I don’t know.

“We all have our days. It has its ups and downs. My main goal is whether (a co-worker) likes me or not, is to do my shift and walk out with you.”