Sep 15, 2016 2 min read

In one of a series of promotions that took place in the wake of Edward Strawn being named jail warden, the Washington County Prison Board on Wednesday promoted William C. Cramer to the rank of major.

Cramer, who has worked at the facility for eight years, previously worked as captain and shift commander.

The board unanimously approved the firing of Correctional Officer Adam Smith, who had held that position since Aug. 31, 2011, according to county records. The vote followed a closed session of about 15 minutes. Strawn said afterward he could not discuss the reasons behind the board’s action.

The warden distributed copies of a letter from Thomas E. Greishaw, director of the office of county inspections and services in the state Department of Corrections, regarding an inspection of the jail that was conducted Aug. 10. Local written policies and procedures also were reviewed.

“No concerns requiring a plan of action were identified,” Greishaw wrote.

As of the end of August, the jail had 345 inmates, 280 male and 65 female. Forty-six women are awaiting trial or sentencing and 177 men have the same status.

Approved at last month’s board of commissioners meeting was an agreement with Dar Pro Solutions, based in Irving, Texas, to remove used cooking oil from the jail at no cost to the county through Aug. 31, 2020. Dar Pro entities process organic materials into biofuel, biodiesel and renewable diesel, and ingredients for animal feed and other products such as soaps, solvents, paints and plastics.