(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a request from Sheriff Don Pounds Tuesday to make the part-time deputy sheriff position funded through a contract with the City of Humboldt, a full-time position.

For quite a few years the position has been a 32-hour per week position, but has been funded as a full-time position through the contract.  Deputy Sheriff Jeff Frederick said the Sheriffs Department has been quite busy recently, with an increase in various activities in the Humboldt area.  Frederick said the feeling is it would be difficult to find anyone to come to work on a part-time contract.

Frederick noted that while there is currently not a deputy assigned to Humboldt, all of the officers patrol the area during their shift. 

With the approved change the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office will have a full-time Sergeant/Investigator, one full-time Patrol Sergeant, and four full-time deputies.  The recently filled Jail Administrator position, which is filled by a person who is certified in law enforcement, does not count as one of the deputies.

Frederick felt with the change, the department would soon be a full strength. He also noted that Deputy Sheriff Jon Kirkendall would be attending a six-week training course with the Richardson County law enforcement canine in Grand Island.