Detachment closings place additional burden on county law enforcement

GRANTSVILLE, W.Va. — The incoming Calhoun County Sheriff knows he has a difficult task ahead.  Jeff Starcher will be sworn in next week to a job of protecting a county without a great deal of help.

Grantsville is one of the three State Police Detachments being closed down amid budget cuts for the State Police.   The one ray of light for Starcher however, is unlike other communities where the barracks are closing, Calhoun County will still maintain a State Police presence.

“Calhoun County is the only county I’m aware of where a detachment is actually closing, but we’ve been able to maintain a satellite office,” Starcher said.

The satellite office of the State Police will be next door to the county’s magistrate court and will maintain a staff of three troopers.

“Our current detachment has five troopers.  It’s my understanding one of the troopers will be transferred to Roane County and the current detachment commander is going on active military duty,” said Starcher. “So at the very least at some point it’s only going to service three troopers.”

That’s a relief to Starcher who is already facing a razor thin budget and staff like most other small, rural West Virginia counties.

“This year’s budget is really, really restrictive,” he said. “It makes it hard on us and we fought really hard to retain our detachment here in the county.”

The satellite office was the concession, but the Grantsville detachment is eliminated along with detachments in Elizabeth in Wirt County and Hundred in Wetzel County.





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm