New Warden Introduced at Armstrong County Jail
New Armstrong County Jail Warden Phillip Shaffer in his new office Monday morning in the Rayburn Township facility.
by Jonathan Weaver
Fellow staffers welcomed the new Armstrong County Jail warden to his new post yesterday morning.
Phillip Shaffer, the new warden who was hired officially at last week’s county Salary Board meeting, began yesterday after wrapping up last-minute Human Resources activity.
Former Deputy Warden Matt Roofner served as Acting Warden since mid-August after David Hogue was suspended and later resigned during internal and third-party investigations into the July 30 escape of Robert Crissman – who allegedly also murdered a Rayburn Township woman potentially minutes following.
Shaffer- formerly the Deputy Warden of Security at Butler County Prison for nearly 27 years – began his career as a corrections officer/counselor after earning his degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
“Either people fit into their job or they don’t – I guess I was just one of those people that fit,” Warden Shaffer said. “Originally when I took the job, I didn’t think I was going to be there 27 years, but you get used to it and then you get good at it and then figure ‘You know, I’m going to stay and make a career out of it.’”
About a year ago, Shaffer also graduated with a Master’s degree in organizational leadership from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. Shaffer said his experience as a Treatment Supervisor proved the difference to allow him to succeed.
“I wanted to get (a job) in something that I knew, and I know corrections very well,” Shaffer said. “When (the Armstrong opening) came open, I was hoping I’d get it.
“I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to go – I’m ready to move on. I think (Shaffer and the Armstrong County Jail) match very well.”
Warden Shaffer said he did learn from wardens he served under, but he also pointed out things he would do differently
Before yesterday morning’s walkthrough with Acting Deputy Warden Wesley Tosh, Warden Shaffer walked through the jail when the facility opened in 2003 as well as during the interview process.
Local News | jweaver February 23, 2016
