Pine County approves promotion of deputy trainee to deputy sheriff

The Pine County Board approved the promotion of an internal deputy sheriff trainee to a full deputy sheriff, filling a previously created vacancy and maintaining the incumbent’s current pay while the position’s grade is adjusted.

The board approved promotion of Henry Rada from deputy sheriff trainee (grade 8) to deputy sheriff (grade 10) effective July 21, 2025. The board discussed the hiring process and confirmed the trainee had been hired as an internal candidate while completing POST licensing and training in the jail. Board members said the trainee position is used only when a deputy vacancy exists and the trainee is expected to move into that deputy slot if they complete licensing and training.

During discussion a county official explained that the reclassification involves a future change in the job’s grade (from grade 8/10 trainee to grade 10 deputy) and that the current incumbent would be “held harmless” — the employee’s pay will not be reduced as a result of the regrade. Commissioners asked whether the action circumvented a broader hiring process; staff said the role had been filled through an internal posting and that this was the only candidate being promoted.

A motion to approve the promotion was moved and seconded by members of the board; the motion carried on a voice vote with all in favor.

The board did not request a new position for backfill at this time; staff said current jail staff would absorb vacant shifts until the department determines whether to request additional positions.

The action was procedural personnel business; no disciplinary or other employment matters were discussed publicly.