TORRINGTON – The Goshen County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) is reaching out to all residents in the area and are strongly encouraging anyone who would be interested in a career in law enforcement to apply.

Lieutenant Wes Dean has advocated on behalf of the career opportunities his department has to offer, and has been with the GCSO for 19 years.

Anyone with a High School Diploma or GED, is at least 20 years of age, a US citizen and possesses a valid driver’s license is encouraged to apply. Applicants must have no prior felony charges or convictions.

Positions that are currently available for hiring include Patrol Deputy, Control Clerk, and six positions are available for Detention Officer.

Dean gave a brief explanation of what applicants can expect with each position they apply for.

“Detention is a day-to-day operation obviously,” Dean said. “A control clerk watches cameras and monitors, answers phones, does paperwork and stuff like that. Detention officers get prisoners in, books them, does the prints, asks them questions and assigns them housing. The deputy escorts people to court, transfers people to various places, transports people from the prison and brings them here. Things of that nature. It’s basically day to day just making sure everyone is safe and taken care of.”

Individuals who are interested in applying can easily pick up applications at the GCSO located on 2120 East B, or may download and print one on the GCSO website.

If selected for the hiring process, applicants can expect written, physical and psychological testing. The requirements of the physical exam are varied depending on the age of the applicant.

“Sometimes if you’re older you don’t have to do the physical part,” Dean said. “If you can pull off more than you’re required to, you get a little more credit added to your test. I’ve had people that have struggled with the physical test, but eventually we said, ‘We are going to hire and work with you.’ Within six months they were ready to go to the academy.”

Lieutenant Dean continued with adding once an applicant passes the psychological exams, there is a fair chance they will be hired for the job.

Dean further noted that just like any other job, law enforcement does have its time of challenge. That being said however, according to the Lieutenant the positions are quite rewarding more often than not.

“It’s just serving and helping the community,” Dean said. “It’s not all bad guys and bad stuff. If somebody is stuck on the highway, we go help. It’s pulling people out of snowdrifts, and saving lives. With crash scenes we do first aid until ambulance gets there, and just help people out with everyday life.”

Dean continued with the concept that when it comes to a successful officer of any sort, building relationships and using the right approach makes all the difference.

“You do have to be a psychologist somewhat, because you may be talking to someone who is depressed or having a bad day. As long as you’re thinking about it, and using your brain and words. It’s more about talking calm, cool and collective. Most times when you talk to people, you just get a feel and say hey I’m here to just do this, and this is what needs to be done. I’ve been pretty lucky for the most part.”

The applicant can also expect, regardless of the position, a fun extended family environment amongst peers, and colleagues once they join the department.

“We’ve got a good group here, and that’s one of the positives,” Dean said. “Working with people you like and can get along with. It’s sort of like a second family. Everyone is good about covering for other people, and if you need help, people will come help you at work. Personally we’ll help you move, and when you go on vacation we will take care of your dogs. It’s a good career. It’s not a job it’s a career. You can establish yourself, and there’s retirement and benefits, which is a good thing. A lot of counties don’t do that. Great insurance, we pay more than we use to, and I expect the pay to go up.”

The Lieutenant had some final words for anyone who may be hesitant, shy, or even intimidated about pursuing a career in law enforcement.

“It’s just a great career. Sometimes it’s hard work, but most of the time it’s fun. You can have as much fun as you want to tell you the truth.”

For more questions or information on applying to the GCSO, please feel free to call 307-532-4026, or visit www.goshensheriff.org.