March 27, 2024 |
Photo – Saratoga Town Hall and Police Department sign – Bigfoot99 file photo
The short-staffed Saratoga Police Department has two experienced candidates ready to hire.
Last year, the Saratoga Police Department lost two of its full-time officers. In August, seven-year veteran Sergeant Tyler Christen resigned his position to join the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office as a resource officer for school district number two. Earlier that same month, K-9 Officer Glen Casner ended his own life.
The department has operated with only three full-time lawmen: Chief Mike Morris, Lieutenant John Moore, and Sergeant Ken Lehr.
Speaking at the March 19th Saratoga town council meeting, Chief Mike Morris said he hasn’t received any outside applications for the open police officer positions. However, Chief Morris said two qualified applicants from other Carbon County law enforcement agencies are ready to join his department.
Chief Morris said former Medicine Bow Deputy Marshal Charles “Mac” Holt has agreed to join the Saratoga PD. The police chief said Holt is very experienced.
The second experienced candidate, Chief Morris said, is former Carbon County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Handler Casey Lehr. The police chief said Lehr is the son of Sgt. Ken Lehr. Morris said he doesn’t think having father and son work together will be a problem.
Chief Morris said Deputy Lehr comes with many certifications that will be beneficial to the department. The police chief said Lehr’s K-9 handler status will allow the Saratoga PD to eventually purchase a new drug-sniffing dog.
Chief Morris said he would like to pay the two officers $24 an hour to start. After completing a six-month probationary period and required training, both men will earn an additional 50 cents an hour.
Chief Morris asked the Saratoga town council to allow him to hire both Holt and Lehr. The police chief said Lehr already lives in town and Holt has indicated that he will also move to Saratoga if hired.
Chief Morris said his budget can support hiring both officers. The Saratoga town council voted to authorize Chief Morris to hire the two men. Both officers will join the Saratoga Police Department on April 1st.
