The Richland County Sheriff’s Department recently hired two new recruits. The additions were made due to attrition. Hired on as corrections officers the newly hired recruits will enter the police academy in the near future.
“We screen applications and target veterans, college graduates and those with previous experience in the field,” stated Maj. Dale Fortney.
Amber Kennedy of Butler has a military background in the Army, serving as military police officer. “I am very excited and blessed to have the opportunity,” said Kennedy. “I hope to represent the department and the community as positively as possible,” she added.
“I am very excited as well,” said Timothy Weese of Bellville. Weese also served in the Army as a military police officer and infantryman. Weese brings the experience of being a combat veteran of Afghanistan to his new position. “I want to do a good job and hope to bring my military skills and knowledge to the sheriff department,” added Weese.
The new officers will undergo 12 weeks of training in the field-training officer program. They will be paired with a veteran correction officer. They must then attend a state-sponsored correction academy within their first year of employment.
Major Dale Fortney stated, “We are proud to add these military veterans to our ranks. We are looking for great things from them.”
