Sheriff's Office Hires New Deputy, Appoints New Volunteers

Austin Meredith Hired As Full-Time Deputy: Clay Deweese and Col. Floyd Houston Sworn In As Volunteers

Austin Meredith (L) is sworn-in as full time deputy while Clay Deweese (C) is sworn in as volunteer by Sheriff Shane Doyle.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has added some new faces while promoting some familiar ones. Sheriff Shane Doyle recently oversaw the swearing-in of Austin Meredith as the office's newest full-time deputy. Meredith, a lifelong resident of Edmonson County, has served as a volunteer for the last two years until his full-time status.

"Deputy Meredith has proven himself to be a valuable asset not only our office, but also to our entire county," said Sheriff Doyle. 

Sheriff Doyle also appointed another lifelong county resident, Clay Deweese, as a volunteer deputy. Deweese is a graduate of the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training and is a former Bowling Green Police Officer. He currently works for the Rough River Lake Corps of Engineers and wanted to offer his help in the county. 

"Clay is a fine young man from a great family and we're happy he's joined our office as a volunteer," Doyle said.

Retired Marine Colonel Floyd Houston is sworn in as a volunteer school security officer by Sheriff Doyle.

Also joining the Sheriff's Office as a volunteer is Retired Marine Colonel Floyd Houston, who will become an additional school security officer in the county. Col. Houston is the Post Commander for Brownsville VFW Post 6937 and a combat veteran. 

Col. Houston discussed why he wanted to help in Edmonson County Schools.

"I’ve often felt that if there was a mass shooting or other attack, that if I were present, I might be able to help," he said. "While I am somewhat mobility impaired because of night rough-terrain parachute equipment jumps and a helicopter crash, I remain an excellent marksman and I’ve been under fire several dozen times while deployed in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1992-93 with the Marines. In terms of where I could help, since I’d be terrible at chasing criminals, I felt I’d be able to contribute in protecting a place, and what could be more important than deterring or defending against any threats to our children?"

In addition to the new hire and appointees, 6-year veteran of the office, Detective Wally Ritter was promoted to the rank of sergeant. 

"Sgt. Ritter has proven himself with his work ethic and dedication to this job," said Sheriff Doyle. "Not only did I need additional help with our office, I felt that he needed to be recognized for his effort."

Doyle said Edmonson County is very fortunate to have a group of qualified officers, especially the volunteers.

"Our call volume has doubled over the last five years and that's why we have to rely on so many volunteers," he said. "Thankfully, I trust them just like the other officers on our team."