Jay Critchlow

I would like to nominate Jay Critchlow for Utah County Employee of the Month. Critch has been a valuable employee not only to our team, but to everyone. After several staff changes and employees on FMLA, Critch was placed into the position of "acting Sgt/DIC." He worked very hard at making sure that everything ran as smoothly as possible. He would arrive early and get the shift briefing from the outgoing Sgt. He would assign shift positions to those working OT, and he was fair about it. He was the 11-11 deputy and would consistently stay later than he needed to (approx 2 am most nights) and then turn around and come back for more. I believe his blood at the time was 75% monster energy drink.

Crich did all of this while keeping his quick wit and sense of humor. Very rarely, if at all, did I hear him complain. He would just share some reference to a 1980s-1990s TV show, song, or movie and move on. He has always been a great earpiece for bouncing ideas off him. Critchlow will be one of the first deputies through the door on a backup call (if it is not too far down the hall, there is too much young blood nowadays), but he will respond and give advice and help when needed.

Critch is a straight shooter and isn't afraid to speak his mind. I have seen firsthand the respect he gets from the inmates, even when reprimanding them for a rule violation. I have seen him counsel inmates and how they can better themselves. I have had inmates tell me, "Critch is awesome" he gets respect from inmates and gives it in return, even if they have not earned it.

Getting to know Critch over the past couple of years has been a great privilege. He and I have had many talks, shared ideas, given each other advice and criticism, and have been able to remain friends. Ask any deputy about Critch; I am sure you will get a half smile as they remember some story about Critchlow. He has impacted many people throughout his 17+ years in Corrections and is still able to keep a smile on his face. He has helped the newer deputies better themselves and has helped an old dog like me become a better Deputy. He gives advice when needed and is always my go-to guy when I need a second opinion on a situation.

These are just a few reasons to nominate Jay Critchlow for deputy of the month.