BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – It was a celebratory afternoon on Monday as three members of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office ascended the ranks in recognition of their invaluable efforts toward the betterment of the Department and the Raleigh County community.
Sheriff Jim Canady described the process of promotion within the department, noting that such recognition is issued to those deserving and who have displayed applicable qualities of leadership and character rather than as a mere formality.
“We really try to do promotions correctly, not just promoting for the sake of promotions; but promoting because we have a need and we have somebody to fill that need,” he said. “These promotions today are to fill the need that we have with the department.”
The youngest member to be recognized during Monday’s ceremony, Michael Talley, was promoted from Deputy to Corporal, and was praised by Sheriff Canaday for his steadfast morality and notable work ethic.
“He’s one of the hardest workers in the department. Michael does a heck of a job for us,” he said. “He started fresh out of school; he’s got a great head on his shoulders, and he’s going to be a special leader. He’s got a good heart and a moral compass pointing directly to the north. We’re lucky to have him.”
Billy Adkins was another member of the department recognized for his admirable work ethic, character, and dedication to duty. Adkins was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant.
“Billy is one of those guys that comes to work every day; you know he’s going to be here,” noted Sheriff Canaday. “He is as dependable as the day is long. You never hear anything but good things out of Billy. His work ethic is second to none, and we’re so fortunate to have him.”
The final department member recognized during Monday’s promotion event was James Williams, who moved up to the rank of Lieutenant from Sergeant.
“He has been just a phenomenal asset of the department, one of the best investigators that we have with an ability to see outside the box and think about things that people you normally wouldn’t think of,” said Sheriff Canaday of Williams, alluding to the newly appointed Lieutenant’s distinct devotion to the department and to his fellow officers.
“He’s a great source of information, and he’s also somebody who cares. He’s reliable; I trust his judgment. I’ve worked with him on road patrol and he’s a good friend, but he’s also somebody that’s very much deserving.”
Corporal Talley remarked upon the attainment of the newly issued ranking, expressing enthusiasm at the opportunities the development will afford him to in being able to make a difference within the community and department.
“It’s a blessing from God, it’s what I’ve always wanted,” he declared. “I’ve always wanted to move up in the ranks in my career so I can help make a difference at the department.”
Additional LOOTPRESS coverage for the Raleigh County area can be found here.
