Published: May 06, 2008 10:56 pm         

Six sworn in as sheriff’s deputies

Half a dozen men and women in business attire sat Tuesday before the Raleigh County Commission, awaiting a decision that could forever alter lives.

After a brief presentation by Chief Deputy Steve Tanner, the five men and one woman were approved by the commission to eventually don the black-and-gray uniform of the sheriff’s department.

Decades ago, deputies were little more than political appointments, when newly elected sheriffs passed out badges on the basis of those who campaigned the hardest for him.

And back in that era, deputies seldom did little more than serve papers in civil matters and escort funerals. The bulk of law enforcement fell to state troopers.

Nowadays, a deputy must pass through the same training as state troopers and get certified, Tanner reminded the commission.

“We’re answering 85 percent of the calls serviced,” the deputy said. “We’re carrying the lion’s share.”

Even with advancements in the department, Tanner said, the sheriff’s office must ask State Police to assist deputies to keep Raleigh County covered.

“You’re making a dent?” Commissioner John Aliff asked.

“We’re making a substantial dent,” Tanner said.

Tanner turned to reporters covering the meeting to say that law enforcement has evolved into a highly professional occupation, rivaling that of doctors and attorneys.

“It is absolutely white and not blue-collar as it once was considered,” he said.

“Science has evolved to the point we expect every deputy to be the highest caliber professional and get very, very advanced training just to perform their day-to-day functions. They are truly professionals that I would put up against any degree for doctors or attorneys.”

Tanner wasn’t sure just when the six would be able to gain entry into the police academy, adding likely it would accept only two or three at a time. Until then, their duties will be limited to routine matters, accompanying veteran officers, and they will not be allowed to work alone at any time.

“I anticipate within the next year we will get them all in and certified,” Tanner added.

New hires are Mark Gunther, Roger Utt, Gary Epling, Evelyn Jarrett, Troy Pack and Raschard Cox.

“It looks like we have a very distinguished group of young men and a lady to be taking the training,” commission president Pat Reed said afterward.

“We’ve had great concerns. We wanted a full staff of deputies there to cover all the roads in the communities in the county. We’re at the most staff we’ve been in several years. We’re real pleased with that.”

— E-mail:

mannix@register-herald.com