Putnam K-9 unit, Officer Flint (reclining), with handler Sergeant Shane Shamblin meets Putnam Rotarians. From left are Laberta Salamacha, Wanda Robertson, and Jackie Chaney.

Mark Smith

Mark Smith, Sheriff of Putnam
Putnam law enforcement upgrading equipment, methods

by Laberta Salamancha
June 12, 2007

Putnam County Sheriff Mark Smith along with Sergeant Shane Shamblin and K-9 officer Flint gave a presentation to the Putnam County Rotary Club today.

The Sheriff emphasized how he had upgraded the weapons in his department since he entered office. "There was a hodge-podge of weapons when I become Sheriff," he stated.

Smith decided that it was of up most importance that they had good reliable equipment.

He purchased Remington shot guns which all function the same. Before, for example, the weapons did not function the same so if you needed to use another officer's weapon in an emergency it may take a minute to determine the difference. That minute's difference could mean a life.

He also purchased Sig 45 automatic pistols which have interchangeable parts.

The Sheriff also displayed a 40 mil Projectile weapon which could shoot beanbags, foam projectiles, pepper spray or tear gas. This weapon could also be used to subdue a subject without serious injury to that person and avoid injury to the officer.

Also, the Sheriff displayed the Tazer unit which is an effective tool when dealing with potentially dangerous subjects. Sergeant Shamblin and his partner officer Flint of the K-9 unit discussed how officer Flint has been trained to apprehend and track subjects.

He also is trained in multiple narcotics.

Sergeant Shamblin explained that dogs have the ability to separate certain scents which enables them to find illegal drugs.

In response to questions from the audience, Sheriff Smith offered that the best weapon for home defense is a shot gun.

Employment of deputies is strictly on merit, and applicants are required to pass an rigorous test.

The sheriff said people sometimes would speak to him about the politics of prospective candidates.

"He's a good Republican," they might say.

"I don't care if he's perfect," the sheriff replies. "He still has to be the best available."

Before retirement from the West Virginia State Police, Smith supervised the State Training Academy in Institute.

We have it on good authority that so long as he filled that post, he could outdo all cadets in every physical qualification.