BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) — Frank Priddy hit the ground running when he stepped into his new role as Raleigh County Sheriff.
He is putting together a top-notch team to serve diverse disciplines in the department. The newest one is Chief Administrator William Pannell.
“It’s a great feeling. I’m thankful for this opportunity,” Pannell said. “And I’m eager to get started and try to make an impact at the Sheriff’s Department and also the community we serve.”
Priddy says he plans to get more officers out from behind the desk to serve the public. And having Pannell in this position makes sense.
“To have it like this. He’ll be doing administrative work, he’ll be doing paperwork and things of that nature that takes a lot of time from officers that could be on the street,” the sheriff said.
As chief administrator, Pannell will oversee the civilian staff, court security, records division, and sober process.
“Priddy’s appointed me to do a job, I want to do the best that I can do,” the chief administrator said. “So it’s a pressure, but it’s comforting also.”
The goal is to engage with the community and gain their trust.
“I feel that we can get out and foster a good relationship with the citizens of Raleigh County,” said Pannell. “Listen to concerns and problems they may have.”
After 23 years with the Beckley Police Department, including several in the detective bureau — Pannell brings exemplary background and skills to his new position.
“He’s super smart, very knowledgeable, a very, very good person,” Priddy said. “He’s known in the community. We’ve got a great addition to the team at the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department.”
