Whitley vocational students give new Sheriff a helping hand

Some Whitley County High School Vocational students got some practical experience recently, and in the process are helping out our newly elected sheriff.

Whitley County Superintendent Scott Paul said that when school officials learned that the new sheriff had some vehicles that needed re-stripping, they offered to help out.

"We’re just happy to have our kids involved in a community project," Paul said. "It gives our students in the Vo-Ag shop an opportunity to expand their skills and do some different things, especially this time of year when the weather is not favorable."

Thursday morning, the students worked on the cruiser used by Deputy David Lennon, a school resource officer.

"It’s a great thing, and they do a great job. Also, it is an economic thing," said Sheriff Colan Harrell. "We’re broke, but we are going to make it. With these kind of assets and people coming out to help us out, I think it is really great for them to do this."
Harrell estimates that the students’ work saved him about $150 per vehicle, and that six or seven vehicles would be done.

The department currently has about 12 running vehicles, and five others that are questionable.

"They are being examined as we speak to see if it is economical to put them back on the road," he said.

Some of those vehicles may end up being used for spare parts.

Most of the 12 vehicles that are in running order have high mileage. Some are in decent shape but need new tires and brakes.
"We have to render them safe before we put an officer in these to answer calls," he said. "Maintenance has been very bleak."
Keeping the vehicles properly maintain won’t be easy either.

Harrell said that a typical Kentucky State Police Trooper will put about 25,000 miles per year on a vehicle.

Sheriff’s vehicles typically log more miles per year than trooper vehicles. Harrell estimates that his deputies will probably average between 35,000 to 40,000 miles annually.