Sheriff announces wave of promotions

Several officers of the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department and the Second Judicial Drug Task Force officially received promotions this week from Sheriff Dale Cook. At a meeting of the Quorum Court's Police and Fire Committee Wednesday, Cook recognized the five men with certificates and brass appropriate to their new ranks.

Andrew D. Harris Jr. and Larry Robinson were both given the rank of major, and will serve as co-chief deputies under Cook. Harris will serve as chief deputy of administration and Robinson as chief deputy of law enforcement. According to Cook, Harris and Robinson have a combined experience of approximately 70 years in law enforcement.

Capt. Robb Rounsavall, who previously commanded the Drug Task Force, will assume command of the Sheriff's Department's Criminal Investigations Division, and Lt. Bobby Ephlin will take command of the DTF. Also promoted was Morgan George, who was given the title of sergeant of the department's aviation unit.

The committee agreed to a bid for the upgrade of the county's radio repeaters, which must be completed by the end of the year in order to comply with a mandate from the Federal Communications Commission. The job is slated to cost $22,172.85, and must be approved by the court's finance committee next.

According to county emergency management coordinator Joseph Richmond, time is of the essence with the radio upgrade process, because certain environmental studies must be completed before new equipment can be installed, and licensing changes also have to be made. After Jan. 1, 2013, any communications made on a non-compliant radio system could carry a fine of up to $10,000.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com