LINN  — Lt. Kim Musgrave is relatively new to the Osage County Detention Center, but her work ethic and commitment led to two promotions in the last six months, the latest being to jail administrator.

“I enjoy working at the jail,” said Musgrave, who has been a paramedic at Osage Ambulance District for the last five years, and as a mission-support volunteer with Linn Fire Protection District. “There are challenging moments, but I learn new things every day, and I like that.”

Musgrave began working for the jail six months ago after talking to Sheriff Mike Bonham about difficulties in retaining staff. “I’ve known Mike for a while and offered to help,” said Musgrave, who manages two nighttime and five daytime detention officers.

It took little time for former Jail Administrator Rick Reyerson to see Musgrave’s potential. “He wanted me to be the jail sergeant, and we talked about it for a week before I decided to accept the position,” she said.

When Reyerson put in his notice, Sheriff Bonham approached Musgrave about taking his position and is pleased with the decision to promote her.

“We will miss Rick and wish him well, but we are confident in Kim’s ability to continue the positive strides the Sheriff’s Office has made in improving jail operations,” said Bonham. “Kim has demonstrated through her innovative ideas, commitment to education, and strong work ethic, that she is competent, and ready to lead the talented team at the Osage County Detention Center.”

“I didn’t expect to be promoted this fast,” Musgrave admitted.

So far, it’s been a good fit, primarily because Musgrave knows precisely what she’s dealing with and, more importantly, how to interact with inmates.

“Some have psychological issues, and some are dealing with anger,” she said. “I try to understand what they’re thinking and going through so I can respond appropriately. I am kindhearted, and sometimes I have to step back and think about things because I often lead with my heart.”

Some inmates are needier than others, and the ratio between males and females fluctuates. “Not long ago, we had more females than males, but most of the time, we have more male inmates,” said Musgrave. “That dynamic is always interesting, but they aren’t going to get away with things.”

Understanding the rules has been a challenge. “I don’t have a law enforcement background, and sometimes I have to look things up to make sure we’re doing the right thing,” Musgrave said. “I’m a rule-follower, and I expect inmates to do what they’re supposed to do. When they don’t, sometimes my calling them out results in anger. I can usually talk to inmates, and they’ll calm down, but there have been times when other inmates have defended me, which is great.”

Some rules have a gray area, which requires Musgrave to find the answer. “I’m fortunate to have a lot of support from Capt. (Travis) Shaffer and Sheriff Bonham.”

Much of her experience with unruly people comes from her eight years as a paramedic. “Things are much more secure in the jail,” she said. “On the ambulance, when you have a problem patient, it’s just you and one other person, and if my partner is driving, I have to deal with it on my own. That experience has helped a lot.”

Musgrave typically has a detention officer with her when she interacts with inmates. “It’s a different world down there, and I was worried because of my size, but there haven’t been any serious issues,” she said. “I make sure I’m not alone because I’m a ‘cover my butt’ kind of person, and I want a witness.”

One recent incident led Musgrave to call Capt. Shaffer, who helped calm the situation.

Talking to inmates gives Musgrave much-needed experience. “I’m learning from them, especially street stuff, and while there are some inmates who have serious issues, there are some who are nice people that just made a mistake,” she added. “My job is to make sure they remain in custody and are treated fairly while at the jail. I try to do that every day and show respect because they will show me and my staff respect.”

Musgrave looks forward to the daily routine and interacting with inmates, but she also intends to continue her work as a paramedic and firefighter when time permits.

She is currently enrolled in the Community Paramedic School. The goal is to provide paramedics with additional training. As part of the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, OAD will expand its network of assistance while continuing to work with the Osage County Health Department and Community Health Center.

Once she has completed training, Musgrave said she would be able to — with a physician’s approval — conduct blood draws at the jail and provide an element of emergency care should the need arise.

“It would be great to help inmates who need emergency care and be able to do routine things that would save crews from having to come to the jail,” Musgrave said.