State police plan to fill gaps as Nicholas County cuts deputies

SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — The Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department plans to lay off 11 of its 26 deputies July 1 because of budget cuts, but a spokesman for the West Virginia state police tells MetroNews the county will not go uncovered.

“We’re going to be providing services whenever needed,” Lt. Michael Baylous said. ” It doesn’t matter what time of day or night it’s needed, we’re going to be providing the service.”

The reduction will essentially mean there will be no deputies on duty in Nicholas County after 4 p.m. each day. Baylous said troopers cover the county now and they will continue to do so with some adjustments.

“We have detachments at Oak Hill, Richwood, Summersville and Beckley and we’ll make whatever changes we need to make, move resources and manpower around,” Baylous said.

State Police Superintendent Col. Jay Smithers has been in conversation with NIcholas County officials, including the county’s prosecutor and circuit judge. Baylous said residents need not worry about having the proper police protection.

“No, they don’t need to be concerned at all,” he said. “We’ve been doing this since 1919 and doing a professional and outstanding job of providing law enforcement services and that’s not going to change.”





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