Sheriff reports multi-agency narcotics action and hiring push; 911 center approves new dispatcher

Chief Deputy Monus delivered the sheriff's update March 16, telling commissioners the office wrapped a multijurisdictional narcotics initiative called "Operation Snow White," which "netted 11 suspects altogether," and described a recent standoff in St. Henry that ended peacefully after Indiana SWAT involvement.

Monus outlined the department's hiring process: of an initial applicant pool of 20, 13 candidates attended the physical and written testing; the department retained about 10 candidates for background checks, interviews, and additional screening steps. He said background checks and voice stress/CVSA testing are underway and noted the department's goal of filling several open positions.

On 911 staffing, Stuart Wilson of the county 911 center requested authorization to make a formal offer to Kelly Ryan for a dispatcher role. Commissioners approved the hire pending administrative steps, and Wilson said the hire will return the center to full staffing (17 positions). "I'll move we approve the hire of Kelly Ryan pending administrative processes next Monday," a commissioner said; the motion passed by voice vote.

Monus also provided monthly call volumes (about 1,080 calls in January and roughly 115 in February) and thanked highway crews and partner agencies for support during severe weather and operations.