BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN 

INEZ — Martin County Sheriff John Kirk is looking to hire certified officers.

The sheriff announced Friday that he is accepting resumes in person in his office at 42 East Main Street, Inez.

With a new law in place that takes effect Aug. 1 requiring all K-12 schools to have a school resource officer at each campus while children are present, the Kirk and the Martin County School District have been in talks to try and come up with a plan and financial agreement that will work for both entities.

“I’ve had constables voice an interest in taking the job, as well as security companies, but with the rules in place that require us only to hire those who are certified, our hands are tied, and they don’t qualify,” Sheriff Kirk said.

Kirk says the pay would probably need to be increased.

“It’s not just the school resource officer issue that my office is currently facing, but a shortage of road officers as well,” stated Kirk. “As of now, I’m down to myself and one certified officer and a few volunteers, with only three of those having arrest powers. I’ve also had two office employees to leave, and we are working with a skeleton crew, but we are still committed to protect and serve the citizens of this county.”

Martin County Schools Superintendent Larry James said the district would not beat the Aug. 1 deadline.

“We have been in contact, and will remain in contact, with the state school safety marshal to show we are actively seeking a solution to meet the guidelines of House Bill 63,” James said.

“After speaking extensively with Sheriff Kirk, the first step is to employ two officers, one for each side of the hill. After that, we’ll work toward the goal of hiring a total of five, which would place one at each of the campuses at all times while school is in session.

Qualified candidates can contact the sheriff’s office at 606-298-2828 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.