Peterson to deputies: You don't need permission to do your job

LYMAN -- Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson on Monday, his first day in office, told deputies he wants them to be the first to offer help to any other law enforcement agency or person needing assistance.

"You don't need permission to do your job," Peterson said before a standing-room-only crowd at the Lyman Community Center.

He also assured deputies and support personnel that they will receive opportunities for promotion "regardless of who you know."

He made the remarks after he was sworn in a second time Monday and then administered the oath of office to his uniformed officers and staff.

Peterson told the Sun Herald his chief deputy is Ron Pullen, a long-time investigator and previously major of operations.

Peterson eliminated four high-ranking positions of major and will have only two: Thomas Clifford Jr. is major of operations. Louis Elias is major of training.

The fourth person on his administrative team team is Phil Marr, senior captain of operations.

SunHerald.com is working on an updated report.

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 3:21 PM with the headline "Peterson to deputies: You don't need permission to do your job ."