New correctional officer sworn

A Willows woman will make the transition from barista to jail guard after accepting a position with the Glenn County Sheriff's Office, authorities announced this week.

Jaklynn May Fowler, 21, was sworn-in Thursday in front of her family and top brass from the sheriff's office.

Sheriff Larry Jones said the addition of Fowler means the jail is fully staffed for the first time in many years.

The protracted hiring process was complicated by statewide budget constraints and a murky financial projection last year, Jones said.

"I wasn't going to hire anyone until we were sure to avoid layoffs," Jones said.

Fowler, who just completed a stint as a shift supervisor at the Willows Starbucks, graduated from Las Plumas High School in Oroville, but has lived in Willows for several years, she said.

"We're excited to have her, but I think Starbucks is a little annoyed with us," Jones joked at the ceremony.

She said she plans to eventually transfer to a street beat as a patrol deputy, but said she is excited to begin her career as a correctional officer.

Lt. Tim Asbury, the jail commander, called Fowler an "impressive" young woman and said she beat out many other older, highly qualified candidates.

"We're looking forward to great things from her," Asbury said.

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.