Northumberland County officials visit jail following latest state inspection

Francis Scarcella, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

Apr. 18—COAL TOWNSHIP — Warden Thomas Reisinger credited a dedicated staff and help from county commissioners for the Northumberland County Jail's success.

"I am so proud of everything we are doing here," he said. "We are short-staffed and these individuals go above and beyond to help in any situation they could."

Reisinger, County Commissioner Sam Schiccatano and Chief Clerk Nate Savidge met with staff and inmates during a random tour at the Coal Township facility Thursday. The jail recently completed its fourth straight successful state inspection, passing in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2024.

Schiccatano pointed out various sections of the jail that were being used for inmate programs and classes.

Reisinger showed off the kitchen, which was spotless.

"We make sure things are always clean and the place is in top shape at all times," he said.

Schiccatano met with inmates and asked how things were going. Schiccatano said he wanted to pop in and just say hello and see how the staff and population were doing.

"It's good to just come up here and walk around and meet with people," he said. "We always like to hear feedback on things, and just wanted to see what we could do to improve in any areas."

Schiccatano praised Savidge during the tour for being at the jail on a regular basis in the past few months during a medical provider switch.

Savidge said he also wanted to work with the jail on getting new programs inside the facility for inmates.

Reisinger showed off the various phones, services, and areas where inmates can conduct legal work, speak to loved ones or meet with counselors.

Reisinger and Schiccatano spoke about the jail passing the state inspection and how the staff is handling the near 200 inmates currently being housed at the facility.

"Tom (Reisinger) has done a great job out here," Schiccatano said. "We are very proud of everything we are doing and wanted to come out and let the staff know how much we appreciate all they do."

Reisinger said he plans on the continued success at the jail and thanked commissioners

"With continued support from the county commissioners and the prison board, we will keep moving forward every day to make NCJ even better," he said. "Anytime I have to call the commissioners, they are always willing to help in any way."

The facility won't have to be inspected again until 2026, Reisinger said.