By Sarah Roebuck
Police1
JEFFERSON, Ohio — For many, retirement means taking a break from the workforce and relaxing with your newfound free time.
With a combined 155 years worth of experience, five retired deputies are jumping back into the workforce to help combat staffing shortages for the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, WEWS reports.
Ashtabula County Sheriff William Niemi said it was difficult to fill positions when nearly 30% of deputies or other staff retired or left the department in 2020. He said no one wanted jobs at the department headquarters or courthouse, and that’s when he came up with an idea.
“I hired retired deputies to fill those positions, and what it does is supplement their healthcare and retirement,” Niemi told WEWS.
Deputy Sheriff Rich Hazeltine and Chris Dunn work the front of the courthouse on Wednesdays, watching who and what goes in and out.
Although their daily responsibilities may not be as demanding as regular patrols, they play a vital role in maintaining the smooth and secure operation of the department and courthouse through tasks such as conducting security screenings, accompanying prisoners to court and patrolling the premises.
Dunn is a retired Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper. He was retired for only 10 days until his wife suggested he return to the force. Hazeltine had been with the sheriff’s department for 40 years after first retiring in 2011.
“They are dependable, they come to work, they work hard for you, they don’t expect anything in return,” Niemi told WEWS. “They are just good guys, and plus, they are experienced.”