MORGANTOWN — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office will hold a physical agility test and civil service examination May 1 — the first step in hiring new deputies.
Sheriff Perry Palmer said he is looking to hire five entry-level deputies.
“We’ve had three recently leave for other jobs, but the biggest concern is we just don’t have people taking the test,” Palmer said. “And it’s not just our department. Morgantown PD’s short, I know WVU, I’ve talked to Chief Scott over there, he’s shorthanded. It’s just not a good time for anybody wanting to be a police officer. You’re not going to get rich at this job. It’s gotta be something you want to do.”
Entry-level deputies earn $43,908 a year. Palmer said the county commission is supportive, and deputies receive raises to keep the department’s pay competitive. Other benefits include health insurance, paid holiday, and sick leave. Uniforms and equipment are provided, and a take-home cruiser.
As of April 15, only 12 people have applied, detective’s division assistant Tammy White said.
To pass the physical agility test, an applicant must complete 18 push-ups in a minute, 28 sit-ups in a minute, and run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes, 36 seconds. It is being held at 10 a.m. May 1 at the West Virginia University track, next to the WVU Coliseum.
Applicants should bring documentation from their doctors stating they are physically able to participate, or sign a waiver of liability before testing.
Those who pass the agility test will then go to the sheriff’s office on Walnut Street at 1 p.m. to take the civil service exam. After using those tests to pick candidates, they still have to pass a background check, psychological test, and attend the West Virginia State Police Academy.
While the new hires wait for an academy date, they will learn the department’s standard operating procedures, work with firearm instructors, help around the office, and undergo physical training, Palmer said.
COVID-19 has changed everything, and the academy is no exception. The traditional 16-week course has been condensed into a 10-week course without any breaks, Palmer said.
After graduation, new deputies will spend seven weeks with a field training officer before going out on their own, Palmer said.
He encouraged certified officers — even those from other states — to apply. Compared to city police, deputies cover a large, rural area, Palmer said.
There is a lot of room for advancement into different specialties such as K-9, detectives, SWAT, or accident reconstructionist.
Application packets can be downloaded from monsheriff.com.
TWEET @DominionPostWV
