Winders will wait to fill chief investigator's job, eyes staffing
By Nick Hiltunen
Published in News on November 3, 2008 1:46 PM
The faltering economy will mean one less administration position for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, at least for now.
Retiring Maj. George Raecher, who oversaw the investigations division, along with a bevy of other duties, will not be replaced immediately, Wayne County Sheriff Carey Winders said.
"I have cut back on some of the rank structure," Winders said. "We may have some plans in the future (to add personnel). We have assigned some of (Raecher's) responsibilities to others in the office."
But the sheriff said the decision not to immediately refill Raecher's position is one he has thought much about. He even considered using a consulting firm to review the department's structure.
"At $20,000, it's a little bit pricey," Winders said.
"We may be looking at a staff analysis later," Winders said. "I've actually been talking about a staffing company to do an analysis, maybe come and take a look at the staff. We may do it on our own."
In the meantime, Lt. Chris Worth will oversee the Aggressive Criminal Enforce-ment Team, which specializes in trafficking of illegal goods and narcotics, and day-to-day operations of the narcotics division, Winders said.
Capt. Tom Effler, who has long been the Sheriff's Office spokesman, will continue his duties as supervisor of the investigations division.
The cutback may mean extra duties for many in the Sheriff's Office, Winders said.
Effler said he is willing to pick up the slack while the office is down one administration position.
"I don't know if (Winders) has got anything else to (assign to) me at this time," Effler said. "I'm willing to do what I have to do."
Raecher was earning about $50,000 a year when he retired, Winders said.