Marshall County Sheriff's Office reserve deputies can't train due to coronavirus

Marshall County Sheriff's Office reserve deputies can't train due to coronavirus

In sand mountain - coronavirus is having an effect on training for one local law enforcement agency.

The captain of the marshall county sheriff office reserves says they have not been able to train - since the pandemic started back in march.

Waay 31's sophia borrelli spoke with him about how important that training is to help keep the public safe.

Barry priest, captain over marshall county sheriff's office reserves: "it's very tough especially when the full time deputies are asking you got any body to do this?

Well i've only got so many.

We've all got other jobs and we can't always be around."

Barry priest is the captain over the marshall county reserves - which is a voluntary community service position.

They go through the same training as deputies - so they can help the department however they'e needed.

Barry priest, captain over marshall county sheriff's office reserves: "we don't get paid for any of the services we offer, but we're passionate about being in law enforcement and to be able to help and assist the full time deputies that are out there."

He says right now out of 20 people in the reserves - only 10 are trained and ready to assist the sheriff's office.

The other half - had to put their training on hold - because of the pandemic.

Barry priest, captain over marshall county sheriff's office reserves: "the other people that i need to put through the training, to be able to be in that capacity, we cannot so that and that's been ever since march."

Jim priest - a sargent in the reserves says that training is crutial.

Since reserve deputies can assist with any call - from traffic stops to crowd control - it's essential that they're prepared.

Jim priest, sargent over training team a: "the training is the most important part in this position.

Trying to get these guys ready to meet all of the obstacles that they are going to meet on a daily basis."

Sophia looklive : "both men say they have been able to some of the training over the phone but it's not enough.

They are hoping the governor will give them the green light soon."

Even though the training for the reserves has stopped for now - they are always looking for