By Kerri Sandaine
Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
ASOTIN, Wash. — Five new Asotin County corrections deputies were sworn in Thursday, and another jail employee was promoted to sergeant.
Jail Commander Nate Uhlorn said a $5,000 hiring bonus, advertising and job fairs helped fill the vacant positions. Another important factor was increasing the starting wage to $22.01 per hour.
“This has got to be the most we’ve sworn in at once in at least 10 years,” Uhlorn said. “It’s great, especially since the entire economy is looking for employees right now.”
Sheriff John Hilderbrand said he still has eight positions to fill before the new jail opens next fall. With the recent hires, he has 13 deputies on the staff.
Before administering the oath of office, the sheriff said he appreciates the young men who stepped up and trained for the roles.
“We appreciate your dedication,” Hilderbrand said, as badges were pinned and photos were snapped. “Thank you for serving your community.”
The new deputies are Cody Moosman, Alex Hamm, Michael Webster, Hunter Holloway and Kayden Carpenter. Rachid Bensultana was promoted to sergeant.
“I love working there,” Carpenter told the Lewiston Tribune. “It feels like a family, and I feel like we’re actually helping the community.”
Bensultana said his past two-plus years as an Asotin County corrections officer has been a good experience. “It’s a great environment,” he said. “I really enjoy the teamwork.”
Construction of the $17.5 million jail along Sixth Avenue kicked off in August, and the 124 beds are expected to be ready for occupancy in October 2024 .
Last year, Asotin County entered into a construction management program with the state to get the project completed. The Kenaston-Leone & Keeble Group , based in Lewiston, was selected to oversee construction.
The voter-approved complex will replace the current jail, which is located downtown on Fifth Street next to the Clarkston Police Department. Funding comes from a dedicated sales tax.
Commissioner Chuck Whitman said builders at the site, which is across from the landfill, should begin pouring the slabs next month. The next step will be raising the steel framing sometime in mid-January.
Friends and family of the new hires filled the commissioners’ chambers for the ceremony. After the applause died down, Whitman thanked the deputies for their public service and swearing to uphold the Constitution, enforce laws and adhere to the sheriff’s code of ethics.
“Welcome to the team,” Whitman said, shaking each man’s hand.
Undersheriff Jody Brown made sure they were smiling for the photos by commenting on their spiffy uniforms and shiny new badges.
“You all look awesome,” he said.
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