Sheriff Allen Parsons (left) and Deputy J. D. Smith
Calhoun's new deputy sheriff Justin D. Smith has just graduated from the WV State Police Academy in the top of his class.
Smith has returned to duty with the Calhoun Sheriff's Department.
Sheriff Allen Parsons said Smith is an impressive addition to law enforcement in the county, having college degrees in criminal justice and psychology.
Smith is likely the county's first officer that has a BA degree in Criminal Justice and an associate degree in Community Psychology. He also minored in European Studies.
Sheriff Parsons said Deputy Smith is already on road patrol around the county, and answering complaint calls.
Parsons said the Sheriff's Department will be getting up to steam soon, operating with Chief Deputy Carl Ballengee, Deputy Smith and another deputy to be hired following testing.
"We're charged with providing services to the people in this county to the best of our ability, and that's what we're working toward," Parsons said.
"The county has been working on getting officers paid at a competitive salary with benefits, in an effort to retain them," said Parsons.
A 1997 graduate of Calhoun High School, Smith is married and has a daughter age seven, and a son 18 months.
Smith previously worked for Westbrook Health as a case worker and was employed by North Bend State Park. He has also been a whitewater raft guide for several years.
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