June 19, 2023 |
Photo – Judge Dawnessa Snyder, Deputy Nokes, and Sheriff Bakken – Courtesy CCSO
Since Alex Bakken was elected Carbon County Sheriff, he has been filling open positions in his department. Sheriff Bakken said the jail has been the most difficult place to find new recruits. To combat the lack of available applicants, Sheriff Bakken has lowered the minimum age of a Detention Deputy. The sheriff explained the reason he reduced the age requirement from 21 to 18.
The newest addition to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office is Deputy Hunter Nokes. Sworn in last Monday, 18-year-old Deputy Nokes will be a guard at the county jail. Sheriff Bakken said the sheriff’s office is a good career path for young adults because it offers a chance of early retirement.
With the hiring of Deputy Nokes, Sheriff Bakken said the jail is close to being fully staffed. The sheriff said he will fill more vacant positions during the coming fiscal year.
Law enforcement agencies across the country are having difficulty finding qualified applicants. Sheriff Bakken has found a way to buck the trend by advertising the benefits of his department, such as early retirement. The sheriff said working and living in Carbon County has also helped attract new recruits.
Sheriff Bakken was able to draw Ted Kranenberg away from the Hanna Marshal’s Office. With Deputy Kranenberg now working for the county, Hanna has been left without a dedicated law enforcement officer. Sheriff Bakken said the Hanna town council has asked the Sheriff’s Office for an official agreement to police to the town.
As of the reporting of this story, Sheriff Bakken said the contract hasn’t been signed. Early last week, the official Hanna Facebook page posted a job listing for a marshal. Sheriff Bakken said the town will rely on the Sheriff’s Office until a qualified marshal can be found.
