Deputy Smith was thinking about a career in law enforcement, then six months ago he decided it was time to make it happen.
“You see everything in the news about cops,” Smith said he’s been away from home for quite a few years. “I just wanted to come back home and try to make my community proud, serve my community.”
Smith and Deputy Thomas Ferris are thankful for this opportunity.
“From written test to physical agility test to background investigation to polygraphs to psychologicals; I mean it’s a long process and these two men made it through,” said Sheriff Mike Fridley.
The Fayette County Sheriff said he is excited for them.
“This is the first time that our department is sending someone to another academy other than the West Virginia State Police Academy,” said Fridley. “They will be leaving this Sunday bright and early to attend Fairmont State University’s new academy.”
It’s all about building trust between the police and the local citizens they serve, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
“I think just seeing police out there and helping people,” Smith said. “It’s not always gotta be a negative interaction with the community.”
To become a deputy sheriff is a life-changing moment and it’s happening for two of Fayette County’s best.
It takes a special kind of person to do a job like this, according to the sheriff, who said not everyone is cut out to be a police officer.
“Deputy Smith now — he has prior military background that’s going to help him. Deputy Ferris was a good athlete at Midland Trail High School and leadership in that role, so a little bit of both worlds,” said Fridley. “But we’re a tight-knit group in Fayette County; we take care of each other.”
