PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict on Wednesday promoted corrections officer Don Wenzl to corrections sergeant.
Wenzl replaces Al Collins, who retired on Tuesday after more than 29 years of service.
Nearly 50 county employees and well-wishers attended Wenzl’s promotion in the Emergency Operations Center at the Clallam County Courthouse.
12-year veteran
Wenzl, 38, is a 12-year veteran of the corrections division of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office. His promotion was based on earning the top score in a one-day evaluation through civil service.
“It’s a battery of tests they go through for an entire day,” Jail Superintendent Ron Sukert explained.
Among other things, candidates are tested on their decision-making and public-speaking abilities and their general knowledge of corrections and the court system.
The tests were held in mid-December, and the results were posted a short time later.
Sukert expressed confidence in Wenzl’s abilities.
“He’s very knowledgeable in the field,” Sukert said.
“He’s energetic and very much computer literate. He’s a team player, and he makes good decisions.”
Wenzl was scheduled to work the graveyard shift this morning and was not available for comment Thursday.
The corrections division of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office has five sergeants who serve in a middle management capacity.
The four other sergeants in the corrections division are Darrell Bryant, Wendy Peterson, Jeff Finley and Matt Blore.
Sukert said the key traits he looks for in a corrections sergeant are the ability to think on one’s feet and make creative, quick decisions. He added Wenzl carries those traits.
“We’ve got a great core, and he’s going to be a big addition to it,” Sukert said.
Wenzl lives in Port Angeles with his wife and two children.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
