The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has earned national recognition for its success in implementing the IGNITE program this year. In fact, the program is featured in this month’s issue of the National Sheriff’s Association’s IGNITE Insight publication.

It is a significant accomplishment for those who have developed the program under Sheriff Mark Warden, with the department saying IGNITE represents a major shift from traditional incarceration to rehabilitation and long-term success. The initials stand for Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education.

“Our reward will be the success of the program and the individuals who never return to jail,” said Warden. “This is about breaking the cycle, building safer communities, and giving people the tools for a better future.”

That cycle is broken with a focus on literacy and GED preparation, ServSafe certification, financial literacy and other personal development programs. The national association’s program is geared toward “Eliminating generational incarceration through education, by restoring value, hope and purpose to our incarcerated population.”

Warden, his staff, volunteers and community partners are to be commended for bringing the innovative program to Washington County. Any chance to break cycles and instill hope is important not just for those at the county jail, but for the community at large.