Somerset County Commissioners hire 3 new corrections officers for county jail

SOMERSET ― Somerset County Commissioners hired more county jail employees and promoted other employees during Tuesday's meeting.

Commissioners hired three new full-time correctional officers, Rylan Beck, Devin Cable and Daniel Artice, for the Somerset County Jail. The jail now has six part-time and three full-time officers, said Commissioner Irvin Kimmel Jr. after the meeting. Commissioner Pamela Tokar-Ickes said the county continues to recruit employees for the jail, but is competing against the two state prisons in the county that now have a minimum hiring age of 18.

More: Somerset County Commissioners set new minimum wage for county employees

Tokar-Ickes said the jail has an inmate population of 111, 19 of them female. The comfort level of the jail population is between 85-90, she said.

"The staff is doing a tremendous job of keeping the wheels turning on the bus, so to speak," Kimmel said.

Promotion not unanimous

By a 2-1 vote, commissioners promoted Chadd Sines from Planner II/GIS to planning director with an annual salary of $58,000, effective May 13. Tokar-Ickes cast the dissenting vote. She declined to comment on the reason for her vote after the meeting. Kimmel said the Planner II position will be advertised.

Commissioners approved the transfer of Gabriel Ion from 911 telecommunicator to GIS/CAD/Radio Specialist, effective May 11.

More: Somerset County 911 Center just shy of full staff

Somerset Area High School's Youth In Government representatives, along with adviser Chris Zanoni provided an informational presentation to the commissioners after participating in various government programs during the school year. The students talked about the education they received and the confidence they've built in their speaking abilities because of the youth government programs in Harrisburg and Somerset.

Commissioners each commended the students and adviser on the quality of the program and the impressive presentation each student gave.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset County Commissioners hire 3 new corrections officers

Advertisement