MOUNT VERNON — Patrol Division Commander Lt. James Ferenbaugh recently updated the county commissioners on staffing levels at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Ferenbaugh reported 26 uniformed deputies are currently assigned to patrol. That includes school resource officers and village units.
Two deputies are in K9 training. Two new deputies are progressing through field training and are expected to be fully operational within 10 to 12 weeks.
“Both of them have experience,” Ferenbaugh said. “One came from our department and already knows our programs and our policies and procedures.
“The other one has been an officer and used the same report system that we have, so we’re hoping that speeds things along a little bit.”
Ferenbaugh said he would like at least seven deputies per shift.
“Long term, I would like to have an extra guy (total of eight) on each shift. Four-to-midnights run call to call. They don’t have any downtime; they’re so busy that their supervisor is just one of the guys,” the commander said.
“Ideally, we need supervisors that can supervise and oversee to make sure our citizens are getting the best quality they can get, instead of our supervisors on a domestic [call.]”
Sheriff Daniel Weckesser said two recent resignations stemmed from the deputy pursuing another profession. In terms of departmental competition, he said Franklin and surrounding counties pay more than Knox because they are larger.
Security coverage for community events
The Sheriff’s Office also plays an extensive role in community event security, including school athletic events, courthouse security, and marine patrol.
Deputies also provide overnight security at the Labor Training Center near Millwood and lead security at the Knox County Fair.
Ferenbaugh said two deputies are at the fairgrounds overnight, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“The reason we have two is because we’ve had a lot of issues out of carnies trying to sneak in,” he explained. “For officer-safety issues, we have to have two people.
Five to seven deputies work each night during the fair depending on what event is scheduled and the expected crowd. Daytime staffing includes one deputy who can leave and assist on another call if needed.
Auxiliary officers boost the fair personnel.
