Yesterday, Bedford County Sheriff Wayne Emerick attempted to speak to county commissioners about his department facing severe personnel shortages, and low pay being a reason why it’s been difficult to hire anyone. Reportedly, because his comments went over the allotted three minutes, county commissioners would not let him finish. While he continued to express his concerns, the commissioners reportedly walked out on the sheriff and took a 30-minute recess. The Bedford County Sheriff’s Department is down to just two full-time and six part-time deputies. Emerick noted that since 2023 his office has received 148 applications and when applicants find out how low the pay is, they turn the position down. The current starting salary for a Bedford County deputy is $16 an hour. After Emerick left the meeting, the commissioners provided the media with a statement saying they would address his concerns when the union contract is up for negotiation next year.
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