CALHOUN'S NEW DEPUTY HAS COLLEGE DEGREE - Smith Says "It Feels Good To Be Helpful"

(02/23/2008)

Deputy Justin Smith Calhoun's new deputy sheriff Justin D. Smith says "It feels good to be helpful," having pursued education in psychology and criminal justice, obtaining a degree in those areas after attending Salem and Glenville colleges. "I've always wanted to be in public service," he said. Smith, a Calhoun High graduate with the Class of 1997, lives near Arnoldsburg, and was recently employed by Calhoun Sheriff Carl Ballengee. "I think I'm the first deputy that has had a college degree," said Smith, who has a BA degree in Criminal Justice and an associate degree in Community Psychology. He also minored in two foreign languages. Sheriff Ballengee said "I believe Smith is a good choice for the job," saying "We're working on setting competitive salaries and benefits to retain good officers." "I've been preparing for this job since high school, and hope that I will be an effective police officer for the people of Calhoun," Smith said. He will be attending the WV State Police Academy with the earliest possible opening, likely in May. Smith has previously worked for Westbrook Mental Health as a case manager and was employed by North Bend State Park. He has been a whitewater raft guide for a number of years. He is married and has a son, age six, and a daughter, 11 months.

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