SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow) – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has officially reinstated its reserve deputy program with the swearing-in of a new deputy.

During the regular Clay County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 24, Sheriff Chris Raveling swore in James “Jim” Pepper as a reserve deputy. He will serve in a volunteer capacity with full deputy powers, excluding OWI enforcement, which requires additional certification.

Pepper, a career paramedic with six years of law enforcement experience in central Iowa, volunteered to serve in Clay County. He is certified through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Sheriff Raveling told Northwestiowanow the reserve program had previously been paused due to staffing changes but was revived thanks to Pepper’s interest.

 

 

Pepper’s background and readiness made him a strong fit for the role.

 

The reserve deputy position is unpaid, though the department provides uniforms and a small annual stipend.