By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners, on May 21, approved the hiring of an additional Communications Sergeant for the County Sheriff Office.

“With the two Communications Sergeants, each will be responsible in overseeing 6 to 8 staff which is more in line with supervision recommendations,” said County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons to the five-person county board. “Our Dispatch Supervisor currently oversees 12 to 15 staff which is well beyond recommendations for a supervisor.”

Fitzgibbons said the new hire will also be responsible for communications officer duties. He added that the Dispatch Supervisor position will be reclassified into an IT position, with the same salary.

This new position was previously recommended following county human resources reviews and close analysis. “The new position has been well vetted,” said County Board member Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls.

The new hire was passed unanimously by the county board.

“We understand the importance in both personal and professional excellence along with dedication to duty,” Fitzgibbons said. “All of us in the Sheriff Office recognize the importance of each employee as a team member while we serve the residents of Otter Tail County.”