Kentucky Department of Corrections Commissioner Cookie Crews has announced the appointments of new wardens for the Bell County Forestry Camp and Southeast State Correctional Complex.

Effective February 15, 2025, James Dibrell will serve as warden of the Bell County Forestry Camp (BCFC) and Jacob Bruce will serve as warden of the Southeast State Correctional Complex (SSCC).

“James Dibrell has over 15 years of experience in corrections. Along with his leadership abilities and knowledge he will be a valuable asset to this institution and its reentry efforts,” said Deputy Commissioner for Adult Institutions Scott Jordan.

Dibrell began his corrections career in 2008 as a correctional officer at BCFC. In subsequent years, Dibrell rose through the security ranks, promoting to sergeant in 2013, lieutenant in 2018 and captain in 2022. He was named deputy warden in October 2024.

Dibrell has also served as a security threat group officer, radio technician, and was a member of the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT), serving as assistant CERT commander and later as CERT commander.

In addition, he served as an institutional instructor in firearms, TASER, pepper ball, less lethal compliance, cell entry, restraint chair usage, CPR, and first aid. Dibrell is a 2023 graduate of the Commissioner’s Executive Leadership Program.

“I’ve spent my entire career serving at Bell County Forestry Camp and it is a privilege to now serve as warden,” Warden Dibrell said. “As a team, we will maintain the high standards that continue to be expected of this facility and that offenders are prepared for a successful return to

the community so they can provide for their families, stop the generational cycle of crime and save taxpayer money.”

Bruce began his career in 2008 as a correctional officer at Western Kentucky Correctional Complex (WKCC). He was promoted to correctional sergeant in 2012 and to correctional lieutenant in 2014. In 2015, he was promoted to unit administrator I, where he managed general population and restrictive housing at WKCC, as well as the minimum unit assessment unit at the Ross-Cash Center. He joined the Kentucky State Penitentiary (KSP) team in 2020 as a unit administrator II managing the restrictive housing units. He was promoted to deputy warden at KSP in 2022.

“Warden Bruce is ready to lead Southeast State Correctional Complex into the future,” said Deputy Commissioner for Adult Institutions Scott Jordan. “As one of our newer facilities, the team continues to grow and equip its staff with the training and leadership skills needed to advance their careers. I have faith that Warden Bruce will lead his team to the next level and create lasting progress.”

During his career, Burce also served as adjustment chairman, grievance coordinator, ADA coordinator, and WKCC Kentucky Offender Management System liaison. He was also a less lethal/chemical agents and TASER instructor and is currently a DOC-certified firearms instructor.

Bruce served on the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT) at both WKCC and KSP for a combined twelve years and was CERT commander of WKCC between 2019-2020.

Since 2012, he has been a member of Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency and previously served as Four Rivers Chapter President.

Bruce graduated from Murray State in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies. He received several awards including Supervisor of the Quarter and the 2020 WKCC Achievement Award. He graduated from the Western Region ILEAD program in 2016.

“I have been preparing my entire career for this new role. It is my honor to serve Team Kentucky by upholding the custody of those inmates while at our facility so that the community is protected but also equipping our inmates for a successful life upon the completion of their sentence,” said Warden Bruce. “We will work together as one team to adhere to standards, policies and procedures to keep both our staff and inmates safe.”