(KLZA)-- New Richardson County Sheriff Don Pounds met with Richardson County Commissioners Tuesday, with the Board approved several changes made in his Office in the past week.

Sheriff Pounds said Lew Barker has voluntarily accepted a demotion from Sergeant to Deputy for the better of the Department.

Pounds said he admires Barker for agreeing to the reorganization plan that will actually cost Barker money. Barker is the handler of the Richardson County Drug Dog, which is expected to be utilized more than it has in the past. 

The Board also approved the Sheriffs termination of the Jail Administrator and approved hiring a part-time deputy who lives outside of Richardson County.  Steve Gill, a Falls City native who has retired from the Nebraska State Patrol currently lives in Beatrice and is expected to work a couple of shifts a month as a Deputy. 

Sheriff Pounds said things have gone well so far. He noted that he is going to concentrate on drug enforcement, because he feels quite a bit of crime in Richardson County stems from drug problems.