Bedford County Sheriff asking for raises for deputies

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BEDFORD (WSLS 10) - The Bedford County Sheriff is asking for pay raises for deputies. They haven't seen a raise in seven years.

Sgt. Dave Coughlan has been working with the Bedford County Sheriff's Department for ten years. However it's hard for deputies to stay because of the pay.

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"Health insurance has gone up dramatically, cost of living has gone up, basic groceries," says Coughlan.

So far three deputies have left and more are expected to leave soon.

Sheriff Mike Brown says the department is one of the lowest paid agencies in our area.

We compared the pay to the Bedford Police Department. We found out officers start at about $35,000 which is about $6,000 more than starting deputies. 

After seven years without pay raises Sheriff Brown says it's time for the board of supervisors to see what they do everyday.

He wants them to see what they do everyday including the dangers they may face.

"Any call has the potential for danger," says Coughlan. "If we're dealing with a domestic situation that's when people are the most volatile."

It's a glimpse into their everyday work Sheriff Brown hopes will convince the board of supervisors to give deputies a 4.5 percent raise.