Harley Crabb retires as major at PCF

Harley Crabb

Harley Crabb started with the Indiana Department of Correction at Plainfield Correctional Facility on Dec. 21, 1981, when he was 21 years of age.

At PCF, Crabb was an active member of the emergency squad (E-Squad).

When asked about his first years as an Officer and a Squad member Crabb said, “I built a comradery with my fellow officers while learning the ropes of corrections. I worked diligently for the next six years to grow and improve in my career.”

Due to his demonstrated work ethic, in 1987 Crabb promoted to correctional sergeant, where he assisted in rewriting the Adult Disciplinary Policy (ADP) and assisted in training staff on the ADP throughout the state.

In 1989 Crabb was promoted to correctional lieutenant.

“Two weeks after getting promoted I assisted with the apprehension of an escaped offender, I will never forget that day,” Crabb said.

As a lieutenant, he was the CAB chairman, supervising the officers in CAB and making sure the ADP was followed. Serving as the E-Squad field commander from 1990-92 brought the unique task of bringing Mike Tyson to the facility.

In October of 1992, Crabb promoted to correctional captain at Wabash Correctional Facility.

“During my time there (at Wabash Valley) I learned a lot of valuable lessons that assisted in my growth and understanding of the department which allowed me to grow as a correctional professional,” Crabb said.

In 1997, Crabb was promoted to correctional major. He made it a point to take a massive burden off the staff working long hours, rarely a weekend off.

“The world of corrections began to change and evolve and with that came new needs, so in 2001 I assisted in creating the 12-hour shift bracket that is used today in facilities across the state,” he said.

With the schedule change staff received days off in the middle of the week and every other weekend off.

In March of 2005, Crabb came back to Putnamville Correctional Facility where he remained until his retirement in mid-March.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in IDOC,” Crabb said. “I have made friends, heck I have even made some enemies along the way, but I also gained family within these fences and memories I will never forget. I will always cherish the last 40 years I have spent with IDOC because it helped make me the person I am today. Thanks for the memories, everyone.”

Warden Dushan Zatecky state his appreciation for Crabb’s years of dedication.

“Crabb had a long and dedicated career, he is a great leader and whoever takes his place has some large shoes to fill and sweater vest to purchase — hopefully, they shoot a better golf game though,” Zatecky said. “I wish my friend of over 30 years a long and happy retirement. He will be missed.”