PARSONS – The Parsons Police Department has lots of new additions to assist in its job of keeping residents safe. Police Chief Bill Rowe said he is pleased with extras, which include a new police cruiser and a part time officer, Dave Gidley.
Rowe said Gidley comes with a lot of experience.
“Gidley is an R.N. at Davis Medical Center and he is a part time police officer in Elkins,” Rowe said. “We needed more coverage through the week and on weekends. Parsons City Council voted to add a part time officer who is certified. Gidley fit the bill. He also worked prior the Tucker County Sheriff’s Department.”
Rowe said the addition of a part time officer helps him.
“I was working 40 to 60 hours a week, and the new officer relieves me of some of the responsibility,” Rowe said. “It also helps with coverage evenings and during the weekend.”
Parsons City Manager/Treasurer Jason Myers said funding for the part time officer and for the new cruiser came from funding from the William M. Harman Memorial Fund.
“The hiring of an additional officer and the purchase of a new cruiser will help create a safer city for everyone,” Parsons Mayor Dorothy Judy said. “We in the city have a responsibility for public safety. We are insuring that our police department has the resources needed to serve and protect the residents of Parsons.”
The new cruiser was delivered last week, and it is a 2015 Ford Explorer SUV.
“It is dark blue,” Rowe said. “The cruiser is awaiting a trip to Parkersburg this week for graphics and installation of the radio equipment.”
Rowe said the old police cruiser will be used as a spare.
The Parsons Police Department sponsored in service training last week for more than 40 officers from Tucker and surrounding counties. Rowe said the training helped officers learn to spot drug impaired drivers.
“This training is now required through legislation, and officers must be trained prior to Jan. 1,” Rowe said. “The Parsons Police Department sponsored the training, which was held at the FOP in Elkins. 44 officers from Braxton County, Beckley area, Tucker County Deputies, Randolph County Deputies, Buckhannon Police and Elkins Police Department took the training.”
Rowe said the training was very helpful.
“This is the first time in 34 years of law enforcement that I have completed a program similar to this one,” Rowe said. “We learned the proper way to do a field sobriety test. The standards are consistent across the United States.”