T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Stan Galownia closed out a career in corrections Wednesday, with his last day as administrator of the Belmont County Jail. He was a corrections officer when the current jail was built almost 30 years ago and helmed the facility during challenges including overpopulation and the COVID-19 pandemic.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Stan Galownia is closing out his career in corrections, and Wednesday marks his last day in charge of the care and security of inmates as administrator of the Belmont County Jail.

Galownia’s career in law enforcement began in 1989 as a part-time jailer under Sheriff Tom McCort and spanned fields ranging from courthouse security to domestic violence investigator to juvenile court probation until he took on the role of assistant administrator under Brent Carpenter in 2013. He took the jail administrator post in October of 2020.

“I’ve been very fortunate and very blessed to be given such opportunities and working with such great people, my officers in the jail and my brothers and sisters here at the sheriff’s office and other officials throughout the county. I couldn’t have been successful without them, it’s taken support and assistance and understanding,” Galownia said. “A little shy of 33 years later, I’m about to retire.”

He worked at the former jail near the St. Clairsville and recalls the construction of Belmont County’s current jail about 30 years ago.

Galownia is retiring on a high note, the jail having once again met the minimum jail standards of Ohio following a recent state inspection.

“Just yesterday was our annual state jail inspection with the Bureau of Detention, where as of today I can stand here and proudly tell you as in years past, we got 100% on essential standards, and we got a 95% on the non-essential standards,” Galownia said. “Everything that’s expected out of those standards, working out of a facility that is now almost 30 years old. … It’s a feat that’s not easily achieved, and I’m proud to be here to represent the administration…if it wasn’t’ for the people who worked for me and with me, I couldn’t have gotten here.”

These standards include safety and security, proper intake, health, sanitation, dietary standards and record keeping. He said there are more than 100 minimum standards.

He said there have been numerous improvements to service for inmates struggling with a variety of issues.

“Under the administration of Sheriff (Dave) Lucas we’ve achieved more mental health and drug and alcohol services in the jail, for detox and for folks in crisis, that’s been in the forefront,” he said.

In the future, Galownia said he hopes the Sheriff’s Office and county will be able to pursue expanding jail facilities.

“We’ve brought a lot to the table that we’ve adapted to,” he said.

Galownia said he brought a measured leadership style to the job.

“Not quick to judge, and in some cases not judging at all, I’m not here to judge certain things,” Galownia said. “Basically lead by example…I was in (the staff’s) position at one time, and I can say ‘I did that once,’ and I can relate.

“Listen to what you’re being told and be willing to reevaluate decisions that were made, to make sure it’s still the correct decision,” he said. “I believe that I have (made a difference).”

The past few years have been challenging ones, with the jail facing severe overcrowding due to increased offenses relating to drugs and mental health, to the point where Belmont County has had to house inmates outside of the county at a cost.

“You’ve got fentanyl, carfentanyl,” he said. “A minute amount in the air or on a surface can kill you and many people. … We have been lucky with our training and our vigilance.”

The COVID-19 pandemic was another difficulty as staff imposed more regulations to prevent outbreaks and contain positive cases. Galownia spoke about the need to seek help from the courts and prosecutors to reduce the jail population.

“We still need to operate a jail 24/7 without fail,” he said. “It’s been a collaborative effort to maintain all those high standards.”

In the future, Galownia looks forward to spending more time with family. He may also consider part-time work in law enforcement and corrections and will be available to consult. He could also explore other fields and activities. He said he is still coming to terms with the prospect of retirement.

“Since I’ve been a 19-year-old kid, this is all I’ve done, this is all I know,” Galownia said. “I think it’s going to take a minute for reality to set in. … I’m just going to enjoy being retired and taking care of myself and my family.”

He said the position of administrator is being taken over by Chris Baker.

“He comes with many years of experience and corrections,” Galownia said, adding Baker brings administrative experience at state correctional facilities. “I am confident and I feel very good about leaving this facility in his hands.”

In a Facebook post, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office stated “We are very happy, proud and grateful for his almost 32 years of Service to Belmont County.”

“I would like to thank you for your many years of service to the Sheriff’s Office and the residents of Belmont County. Your performance, hard work, and dedication have always been recognized and appreciated. I have seen the level of commitment that you have given to every position you have held, and it has been an honor to serve beside you all these years,” Lucas posted.

Chief Deputy James Zusack agreed, adding Galownia was exceptional in managing a jail that operates around the clock.