During a ceremony held on April 14, 2025, at the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department two special deputies were sworn in to serve as the feet on the ground part of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).
Sheriff Bill Meyerrose stated that the CIT program has been beneficial already during 40 incidents in the county. He said that they are moving quickly now that the funding was secured in December 2024. Mike Eggleston was working as the Jail Commander and once the program began, he is now the CIT Coordinator. Sheriff Meyerrose said that the program is to reduce re-offending with a focus on mental health and substance abuse.
Sheriff Meyerrose introduced the crowd to Desirea Moore, LCSW. She works full time at the jail offering counseling to inmates and seeing those inmates who were arrested the night prior. They are already seeing benefits to having her at the facility.
Sheriff Meyerrose stated that a Special Deputy has police powers that are set by the Sheriff.
John Bundick was sworn in as a Special Deputy. John currently serves as the Chaplain with Columbus Police Department and has worked as a pastor at other churches.
Tiffany Mcfarland was sworn in as a Special Deputy. Tiffany has worked as the Administrative Assistant for Greensburg Police Department. Sheriff Meyerrose stated that Tiffany is easy to talk to and she has a great way of communicating effectively.
During the Swearing in Ceremonies Debbie Hernandez was sworn in as the Sex & Violent Offender Registry Coordinator. She was sworn in as a Special Deputy as well. Her job is to supervise 53 individuals who are on the registry that either work and/or live in Decatur County. Currently the jail has 16 sex offenders housed in the Detention Center as well. Her job will be reviewing addresses, vehicle registrations, and monitoring offender’s social media.
