PORT TOWNSEND — A new patrolman began active duty this week, filling a vacancy that opened nearly a year ago.
Ryan Smith, 31, was hired by the department early this year after achieving a high score on the civil service exam.
The department paid for his six-month training course, which he completed in July.
Smith is taking time to meet community members, and was introduced to the Port Townsend City Council by Chief Conner Daily on Monday.
He is now working the night shift in partnership with other officers in order to learn the ropes.
Sgt. Ed Green said Smith, who grew up in Fall City, was chosen partially for his small town background.
“We had plenty of qualified applicants but we chose Ryan because he has an understanding of small communities,” Green said.
“It’s a different experience working in a small department, this is a diverse department with more varied responsibilities.
“This isn’t like working in New York or Chicago.”
As one of 15 officers, Smith needs to be able to do respond to anything that comes across the radio, and does not have the ability to call a specialist.
“I am still learning how to be a police officer,” he said.
Smith is married with no children, and has not yet decided on a permanent home in the area.
He does not have a college degree, and has spent his career up to now working as a general manager in private business.
After he was laid off last year he decided to re -evaluate his priorities and chose to pursue a law enforcement career.
“I wanted to be a police officer when I was in high school but never followed it up,” he said.
As an entry level officer, Smith is earning $24.55 an hour.
He will be taking over the patrol responsibilities of Officer Garin Williams, who will become the school resource officer for the Port Townsend School District in October.
In his spare time, Smith likes to hike and do other physical activities and is training under the grueling Crossfit program.
“I don’t know what I’ll be doing in the future,” he said of his future in the department.
“But at this point it’s exciting to be on patrol.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.