BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – On January 1 Frank Priddy kicked off 2025 with a new job and the new Raleigh County Sheriff wants the community to know the department is here for you.
From teaching the Dare Program in Raleigh County Schools to more officers on the ground in underserved areas to stepping up efforts to combat the drug crisis.
“The sheriff’s department is already a great department,” Priddy said. “We’re just gonna make it better and more efficient. “Looking forward to doing the job and I’m excited about it.”
The sheriff says it will take some time to get used to balancing both the law enforcement side of things and the tax department.
“Finding out the way they do what they do at the Sheriff’s Department,” Priddy said. “It’s a learning process getting to know everyone and get those relationships going.”
People should feel safe and confident in calling the sheriff’s office. The new sheriff says this is what his officers signed up to do and they are sincere.
“They will do their best to try to help people, whatever kind of issues they have,” said Priddy. “No one should ever be afraid to call the police. We’re here and we took the job because we care and want to help.”
Chief Deputy F.D. Shelton worked with Priddy for more than 20 years when they were both at the Beckley Police Department.
“I was at the retirement stage and an opportunity came along,” Shelton said. “I couldn’t turn it down to go to work for Sheriff Priddy again.
The sheriff is all about community outreach. He’s met with church leaders and retirees at various municipal centers and they tell him their issues.
“It’s all about relationships. You need to have somebody there you feel comfortable coming and talking to,” said Priddy. “I can help delegate those problems down to the right people and try to make a good outcome for them.”
According to the sheriff, this new year brings a fresh start for people.
“I think they see some of the problems that Raleigh County has,” Priddy said. “You know, if you’re from here versus what you would see several years ago, it has changed. We’re just gonna get in there and do the best we can and make a difference; I promise you that.”
