DAYTON-The Columbia County Sheriff's Department has a new deputy, and the Public Works Department has three new hirees.

Robbie Patterson's first day with the Sheriff's department began on Sept. 12, and was filled with the usual orientation procedures, he said. Patterson said he knew when he was in high school he wanted a career in law enforcement.

Patterson, who originally hails from Laurinburg, North Carolina, met his wife Crystal, there. He said they left Laurinburg in 2002 for Fort Lewis, Wash., when Patterson joined the Army.

Patterson was a paratrooper with the Army First Special Force...