by AMANDA WINTERS

Sequim Gazette

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office last week welcomed two new deputies who will be stationed at opposite ends of the county.

Through a retirement and a grant with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Joseph Pursley, 31, and Laticia Wells, 26, will fill two deputy positions.

Ron Cameron, Clallam County Sheriff’s chief criminal deputy, said the tribe’s ability to fund a second deputy comes at a good time because the Sheriff’s Office had to cut one deputy position to balance the 2012 budget.

Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict said Wells’ position is funded by the tribe. Pursley will serve in Forks, where he has lived for eight years.

Both deputies will attend the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Burien this month. The academy, which lasts five and a half months, is academically and physically challenging, covering topics including traffic accident investigations, use of force, ethics, crisis management and criminal law.

Following their successful completion of the academy, Pursley and Wells will undergo a three-month field training program.

Wells, who grew up in Lakewood and received a bachelor’s degree in law and justice and sociology, said this is something she’s wanted to do her whole life.

Pursley, who studied criminal justice through Washington State University, said for the last four years he volunteered as a chaplain for the Sheriff’s Office, going on ride-alongs and responding to calls.

“I’ve just enjoyed every second of it,” he said.

Reach Amanda Winters at awinters@sequimgazette.com.