MARTINSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Berkeley County Commission is set to interview candidates to fill the unexpired four-year term of Sheriff through December 31 of this year.
Among the eight applicants, three finalists have emerged, namely Robert A. Blair, Jeremy J. Farner, and David Scott Richmond, all hailing from Martinsburg.
The interviews of these finalists are scheduled for January 16, taking place in a special public meeting convened by the Berkeley County Commission, commencing at 9:30 AM.
A specific interview schedule for the candidates will be released at a later date.
The deadline for applications was January 10, and the appointed individual is expected to fulfill the unexpired term of former Sheriff Nathan Harmon, who resigned on December 26, 2023.
On January 11, the County Commission conducted a special Executive Session in the afternoon to review the applications.
Anticipating a swift decision, the County Commission aims to appoint the new Sheriff on January 18.
Subsequently, a swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for January 19 in the County Commission Chambers.
It is noteworthy that any vacancy in key offices, including that of the sheriff, is to be filled by the County Commission, as mandated by W.Va. Code 3-10-8.
Furthermore, the appointee, as per W.Va. State Law, is limited to serving two consecutive terms, irrespective of the unexpired term’s duration.
Applicants for this public office must adhere to specific criteria outlined by West Virginia State law, including being at least 18 years old, legally eligible to hold public office, a member of the Republican party, and a resident of Berkeley County.