Scott Frakes will resign as Nebraska corrections director

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and the state fire marshal are both resigning, according to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

On Thursday, Ricketts thanked both men for their service to the state.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes announced his resignation after seven years leading the agency.

“Leading and working beside the 2,200 team members that make up NDCS has been an incredible experience — truly the high point of a 40-year corrections career,” Frakes said.  “I am proud of the many accomplishments the agency has achieved during my tenure.  Seeing those things come to fruition, to the benefit of staff members and our inmate population, has been enormously satisfying.”

Ricketts said some of Frakes’ accomplishments were implementing an automated sentence calculation process and reforming restrictive housing policies.

Frakes’ resignation is effective Oct. 7.

Chris Cantrell announced his resignation after four years as the state’s fire marshal.

“Over the past four years, the State Fire Marshal Agency has made great strides towards embracing technology to enhance how we conduct business, and how people interact with us,” Cantrell said.  “I know that we have the best State Fire Marshal Agency in the country, and I will miss being a part of this team.”

Cantrell led responses to major wildfires such as the Hackberry Fire in Banner County in August 2021, the Post Fire in Dawes County in September 2021, and the Road 702 Fire in April.

Ricketts said some of Cantrell’s accomplishments are streamlining inspections and finalizing the creation of the state’s first Type 3, All-Hazards Incident Management Team.

Cantrell’s resignation will be effective Oct. 14.

The governor will announce interim directors to lead the Department of Correctional Services and the State Fire Marshal Agency.