Clay County Jail Empties Out as Fire Pump Failure and Staffing Shortages Force Inmate Transfer

For the first time in recent memory, the Clay County Detention Center sits empty — not because crime has vanished, but due to a critical fire safety failure compounded by severe understaffing.

A malfunctioning fire pump has taken the jail’s sprinkler system offline, prompting officials to relocate all 20 inmates to neighboring Cherokee County until the issue is resolved.

State law requires at least three detention officers on duty around the clock to perform fire watch when automatic fire suppression systems are inoperable. White indicated it could be several weeks before the jail can meet that threshold, as the replacement pump must be specially designed and applications for jailer positions have slowed significantly.

In an email to local press, Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan confirmed the move was necessary for safety.

“Yes. We could no longer safely hold inmates due to extremely low staffing levels,” Buchanan wrote. “Cherokee County Detention Center graciously agreed to house our inmates.”

Buchanan noted that while the jail holds no inmates, it must still be staffed with two officers for intakes and transportation duties. Clay County remains responsible for all inmate transports, including medical appointments and court appearances.

“We are extremely grateful that our close neighbor, Cherokee County, agreed to hold our inmates,” he added. “Transporting inmates to and from Detention Centers further away would have been much more difficult. County Manager Debbie Mauney and our Commissioners are working extremely hard to address our Detention Center staffing levels.”

In an effort to restore local capacity, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has launched a recruitment drive. A post on the agency’s Facebook page announces openings for Sworn Detention Officers.

Starting pay is $20.48 per hour, or $42,597 annually, with opportunities for overtime. Benefits include health insurance, full retirement, annual leave, and sick leave. The department also offers a career path for detention officers interested in becoming deputy sheriffs.

Interested applicants are asked to contact Captain Marty White at (828) 389-6354.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges faced by small, rural sheriff’s offices in maintaining secure detention facilities amid staffing shortages and infrastructure demands. Officials hope the combination of repairs and new hires will allow the Clay County jail to resume normal operations in the coming weeks.