Allen County officers Tim Beckham and Daren Kellerman have won promotion to master deputies.
“They’re valuable assets to the citizens of Allen County,” said Sheriff Tom Williams. “I’m proud of them.”
Earning the designations requires an officer to have 10 years of service with the department, complete certifications in several areas, take responsibilities in specific law enforcement areas and make themselves available for public service outside the sheriff’s office.
Beckham is the department’s firearms specialist and range master for the county’s firing range. With Undersheriff Bryan Murphy he arranges and instructs concealed carry of firearms instruction for citizens. He also has attended training to become the department’s specialist in investigation of crimes involving children.
Kellerman’s specialty is crimes having to do with alcohol and is the deputy’s go-to officer when a driving while under the influence alcohol case occurs. He also is the field trainer for new deputies.
The department has seven patrol officers, including Undersheriff Murphy, two less than the number included in the
sheriff’s budget.
“We haven’t had more than eight — one under full strength — in my time as sheriff,” said Williams, first elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2008.
Even with less than a full complement of officers, Williams said deputies were scheduled to avoid overtime.
However, he said, “We don’t endanger law enforcement or investigations to save money.”
He noted when a large number of firearms was stolen from the West Side Bait Shop, Beckham exercised his specialty training in firearms to do much of the investigation, which resulted in overtime.
“We put all the resources we can in protecting the public and solving crimes,” Williams said.
