Strain named new lieutenant

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The personnel changes at the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department continue.

Wade Strain was approved by the finance and personnel committee Monday as a new lieutenant. Strain was previously an investigator and was assigned to that unit. He was selected from five candidates who were interviewed.

Strain has been with the sheriff’s department for 22 years, and spent the last 11 as an investigator. He believes the familiarity he has with the department will make the transition easier.

“It was something I didn’t have my sights set on,” Strain said about his new title. “But, opportunities to join administration in a department like this don’t come around too often.”

Strain’s first official day in his new post was Tuesday, when he, like many of his fellow co-workers, spent the day searching for five-year-old Scott Meyer, who was found Wednesday morning.

“I couldn’t imagine what it was like for the family,” he said. “It’s not what anyone wanted, but it turned out great.”

Strain succeeds Mike Waltz, who remained a lieutenant, but is now assigned to patrol. Waltz succeeded Jason Matthys, who was promoted to chief deputy last month when Neil Gulbranson retired.

Waltz succeeded Dennis Sorenson when the long-time lieutenant retired earlier this year. Waltz said he’s excited about the switch and added he’ll enjoy the “hands-on” aspects of his new job.

Sheriff Nancy Hove also announced Thursday Deputy Todd Hines announced his retirement, with his last day being Aug. 17. The next personnel hire, she said, will likely be patrol sergeant, coming in the first week of August.

The finance and personnel committee also approved the following purchases for the jail/kitchen area: water softer, breathing apparatuses, plastic lockers for male hubers, cabinets and countertops for jail administration, refrigerators and new garage flooring. The total amount for those items will not exceed $25,698.20. It was then sent to the full county board for approval.

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