Local sheriff’s department fully staffed for the first time in 10+ years

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. ( WTRF ) – For the first time in at least 10 years, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is fully staffed!

Sheriff Bill Helms attended the Marshall County Commission meeting earlier this morning to get approval to hire one more deputy – bringing his crew up to 32 deputies.

He says the commissioners have been “instrumental” in his effort to fully staff the department.

Between the increased starting salary, great benefits and state of the art equipment, Helms says the sheriff department is an “attractive place to work.”

“Everybody knows there’s a police shortage in America nowadays. I’ve made my office very selective. I only want to take the best. We strive to make it an environment that the deputy sheriffs can thrive in. When you do that, again, I have fulfilled my role as sheriff and provided the best police service to the people of the county I possibly can.”

Sheriff Bill Helms | Marshall County Sheriff’s Department

Marshall County Commissioners approved the hiring of Christopher Estrada, who grew up in California but attended Wheeling University on an athletic scholarship.

Beginning on July 1, all new deputies will start out making $60,000 annually.

Helms says he has been very blessed during his time as the sheriff of Marshall County.

“I have accomplished many things as sheriff, and this is yet another one of those goals I’ve met. I’m very proud of it. And I’m glad to have been able to have been a part of it.”

Sheriff Bill Helms | Marshall County Sheriff’s Department

Helms says his officers have to perform a wide variety of duties including mental hygiene, transports, court security and much more. He says it takes a “full complement” of people to accomplish those duties.

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