The Summers County Sheriff’s Department welcomes two new deputies to Team 900. Both individuals previously worked for the Hinton Police Department and both have been commended for their outstanding bravery during their careers. The county welcomes T.A. Withrow and J.S. Ward as the newest Summers County Deputies.
According to a release posted by Summers County Sheriff, J.L. Faris, the addition of these two individuals aids in enacting the department’s “boots on the ground” approach and will “provide a better service for our communities while doing so.”
In the release, Sheriff Faris notes important information regarding these two new deputies including the circumstances in which each was given an award for an incredible act of service. Deputy Withrow, in 2020 while serving with the Hinton Police Department, “entered a structure fire to make sure a mother and her children were out of the residence.” This incident led to Withrow receiving a Medal of Valor. Also in 2020 while serving with the Hinton Police Department, Deputy Ward “entered a residence that was filled with natural gas to save a man’s life that was unconscious inside.” Deputy Ward was presented with a medal earlier this year for his actions during this incident.
Recently, the Summers County Commission, the Summers County School Board and the Summers County Sheriff’s Department all worked together to implement the addition of school resource officers to the county schools. The commission agreed to two school resource officers. According to Sheriff Faris, one officer will be stationed at the high school/middle school campus when school is in session. The other officer will divide their time between the elementary schools in the county based on current needs. According to the release announcing the addition of the two new deputies, Deputy Withrow will act as the high school/middle school resource officer.
Sheriff Faris stated in the release, “With the addition of these two men, we gain experience, knowledge and professionalism, and we look forward to the county and its citizens benefiting from that.” Deputy Withrow served with the Hinton Police Department for 12 years during which time he was a part of many investigations. Deputy Ward made multiple notable drug arrests during his time serving with the Hinton Police Department.
