Moundsville Hires New Police Officers for First Time in Over Two Years

Shelley Hanson

The Moundsville Police Department added to its ranks on Monday for the first time in about two years.

Swearing-in ceremonies were held in Council Chambers for two new officers to the force - Peter Barton and Anthony White. Also, Officer Peyton Geary was promoted to the rank of corporal. City Clerk Sondra Hewitt conducted the ceremonies.

Moundsville Police Department Chief Tom Mitchell said the department now has 15 officers and is just one person short of having a full roster. He noted the next testing period is set for Jan. 18.

"It's a big day for the city of Moundsville and the Moundsville Police Department. It's been over two years since we've been able to hire anyone for the police department -- even though we put out a great effort," Mitchell said.

"It's been a combination of factors -- with the city manager giving a budget to council, we were able to get raises for the policemen above and beyond to make us competitive with the other police departments.

"Our council approving these things, our civil service commission coming out every two months so we could test nobody, sometimes three or four people who didn't pass the test.

"But on our last test that we gave, we had two candidates who we feel are good candidates so we are bringing them into our fold."

The police department's starting wage is $52,000 per year plus a $2,000 signing bonus.

Mitchell noted being a police officer can be a tough job, but it is also rewarding.

"It requires a lot of nights working and going to the (West Virginia State Police Academy) and a lot of sacrifices. Your family will assist you and help you," Mitchell said. "When you get through the academy that's when everybody thanks their wives for helping them get through it, because it is arduous. But it's a journey worth taking. We're glad that you're aboard."

After the ceremony, White said he was looking forward to starting his new job.

"I've always wanted to be a police officer since I started with my other careers," he said. "And Moundsville gave me the opportunity to do so and it was a great city to start in and stay in."

White said he is originally from Parkersburg but now lives in Wheeling with his family. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 2016.

"I'm proud to be an officer. I'm proud to start this career and proud to stick with it," White added.

Barton already has 10 years of experience as an officer. Before joining Moundsville he previously worked for the Glen Dale Police Department and Benwood Police Department.

Barton said he wanted to be an officer in a bigger city and he also liked Moundsville's scheduling. He noted his career to date has included rewarding experiences and difficult ones as well.

After the swearing in ceremony, the officers and families were treated to cake from Walmart.

City Manager Rick Healy said he was "thrilled to death" to have two new officers join the city.