'Cause I'm the law in these parts...

[flippingout]

I've heard many great things about Ben. I'm curious to see how people feel about Ben winning the election.

[md32350]

No question on where I stand. Can't wait to get started under new administration!!!

[canadianbacon]

Well when my husband is happy I am happy But seriously to me Ben was certainly the most qualified. I have spent a little bit of time around him and he is a very nice man. I wish him all the best.

[reallife]

Hands down he was the best choice.

[flippingout]

I've only spoken with Mr. Stewart once, but he was extremely polite and rather jovial. I'm looking forward to working with him.

[jess]

It is great that a Madison County deputy got promoted to sergeant after being with the sheriff's office for just over a year. I was wondering why the other deputies with many more years of service to Madison County got passed over for this promotion. I sure hope this promotion was not attributed to the deputy's church affiliation.

[md32350]

Jess,

I understand your concerns about this promotion. I will explain it a little better to help people understand why this decision was made.

Throughout Sheriff Stewart's campaign and election he promised that the "good ol' boy" way of doing things at the Sheriff's Office was over. He explained to all the members of the department when he walked in the door that his first day was every ones first day. We all started with a clean slate. Openings, promotions, and special positions would be filled as fair as possible.

Being true to his word when the patrol sergeant position came open he made a sergeants board which he was not part of. The board consists of the existing patrol sergeants, the captain, and the chief deputy. Once the board was established they posted a memo to every deputy that the position was available and anyone interested could apply and go in front of them for consideration. Four deputies applied (only one of which "career service" 5+ years). The candidates went in front of the board earlier this week. Each member of the board individually scored each candidate separately on several topics listed below. Once all the board members scored each candidate, the scores were calculated and the board promoted the one who scored the highest.

Complete vehicle inspection
Complete class A uniform inspection
Activity
Initiative
Leadership Skills
Physical Fitness
Use Of Sick Leave
The candidates drew a scenario based incident from a hat and had to explain to the board the proper actions to take in the particular situation.

To answer your two questions. Only one of the long time deputies applied for the position, And church affiliation had nothing to do with the promotion. Hope this helps clear some things up.

Thanks,
M.D.

[jess]

M.D. Thanks so much for explaining the promotion procedure. You did a great job in letting us all know how that promotion took place. There is a lot of mistrust in Madison County and posts like yours really help us to understand the procedures. Again thanks for letting us all know the real story. Your post helps us to understand that things are not always what they appear to be. I am also glad to know that all the great deputies in Madison County got a shot at the promotion if they so desired because they certainly deserved it.

[thevoice]

I believe that Sheriff Ben Stewart will be an attribute to Madison County. I've been dealing with him a lot lately and I've only seen good.