ISLAND COUNTY — The Island County Sheriff’s Office has hired William "De" Dennis as the agency’s new chief jail administrator.
Dennis replaces former jail chief J.D. Burns, who left in February to serve as a security contractor for a private company in Iraq, sheriff’s spokeswoman Jan Smith said.
Dennis, a retired U.S. Navy command master chief, served with the sheriff’s office for three years, including working at the jail, before he joined the Washington State Patrol as a trooper in 1998.
He started his job as jail chief this week.
"We feel fortunate that we could offer De this position. His talents and people skills are key. He is an advocate of accountability leadership — leading people and managing programs," Sheriff Mike Hawley said.
Dennis said he’s concerned about the increase in inmate health care costs and is looking at reducing expenses. He’s also interested in increasing inmate work programs and plans to introduce parenting, child care and life skill classes, Smith said.
The jail houses up to 58 adult prisoners, both male and female. It has a staff of 20 deputies and a $1.5 million annual budget.
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