The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is looking to fill two open deputy positions.
Sheriff Perry Palmer said the department is accepting applications until Sept. 12. Applications can be downloaded at monsheriff.com, picked up at the department at 116 Walnut St., or at the county clerk’s office at 243 High St.
Applicants will take both the civil service exam and a physical fitness test on Dec. 5.
To pass the fitness exam, an applicant must run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes and 36 seconds and do 18 push-ups and 28 sit-ups — each within a minute.
The county clerk compiles a list of candidates who pass both exams. When Palmer needs to a fill a position, he’s given the top three names on the list, which is compiled by scores, he said.
An applicant then needs to pass an extensive background check, interview, medical exam and psychological exam. The psychological exam gives the department a great look inside the applicant’s mindset and helps determine if the applicant should be a cop, Palmer said.
People who pass those tests then must complete 16 weeks of training at the West Virginia State Police Academy. The department’s two most recent hires are there now, Palmer said.
After graduating from the academy, Palmer said the newly minted deputies spend two months with field training officers and gain experience on all three shifts before they are allowed to go out on their own.
Deputies don’t get rich and most do it because they want to help their community, Palmer said. The ideal candidate will be a “people person” and have that desire to help.
After the probationary period, new deputies receive a $1,500 pay raise. Starting pay is $40,848 a year, health insurance is covered and there are lots of opportunities for overtime, Palmer said.
Uniforms and equipment are provided, as is a take-home cruiser.
Career advancement opportunities include several specialties such as SWAT, sniper, K-9, detective, accident re-constructionist, motorcycle patrol and instructor positions.
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