By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY
christopher.tuffley@newssun.com
AVON PARK -- With the Police Benevolent Association's 90-day waiting period over, 15 former Avon Park Police Department officers become deputy sheriffs during a 10 a.m. swearing-in ceremony today at the Highlands County Courthouse.
The 90-day contracted waiting period ensured every individual had an opportunity to settle pension issues before officially leaving the city's employ.
Now the way is clear to move ahead. The Highlands County Sheriff's office took over law enforcement in Avon Park officially Oct. 1.
Sheriff Susan Benton is officiating the ceremony.
"I would like to thank the officers and the city council of Avon Park for their visionary steps to merge law enforcement services," Benton said Tuesday. "I am honored to be part of this venture.
"We are holding a special swearing-in ceremony for the Avon Park police officers as Highlands County sheriff's deputies. This ceremony is a new beginning, one in which financial savings will be realized while ensuring quality service for the residents of Avon Park and Highlands County.
"We are looking forward to welcoming our new members as we all continue towards our vision of a safer Highlands County."
In terms of moving on, not all former officers applied to the sheriff's office, and not all applications were accepted.
Those that were will go through the same cycle of assignments, designed to familiarize them with the county as a whole, that every incoming deputy does. Only then will individuals receive a permanent assignment.
The city council decided to contract with the sheriff in an unanimous vote on Aug. 4, largely because the price of law enforcement has risen dramatically. The city puts aside more than $2 million annually as the result of mandates, training, equipment updates, and rising retirement and insurance costs.
By contracting with the sheriff, the city is expected to save more than $2.45 million over the three years of the contract's life.
Captain Randy LaBelle heads the division responsible for the city, as well as the north end of the county.
The contract was about more than money, the city council and supporters say. Because of its size and additional resources, the Sheriff's Office provides the city with more depth of service, and greater opportunities for the deputies themselves. In addition, the Sheriff's Office is an accredited agency.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012 - www.newssun.com/100312-ct-new-sheriff