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Ruckman Learns From Sheriff’s Department

By Staff | Apr 1, 2009

Ryann Ruckman

A New Martinsville resident is getting some first-hand experience this spring as he is fulfilling an internship with the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Department.

Ryann Ruckman is completing a 205-hour internship to fill a requirement for his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

“There’s a lot of psychology in law enforcement,” Ruckman says as he explains the connection between the internship and his degree.

During his time with the WCSD, Ruckman has worked with most of the staff, including Sheriff James Hoskins, Chief Deputy Rob Haught, Corporal Roger Spragg, Sergeant John Brookover, Deputy Randy Adams, and Deputy Rob Scott.

Working with the latter and his K-9 partner Hawk was a highlight for Ruckman. “That was an awesome day. That was fun,” he said.

He also particularly enjoyed taking part in the K-9 seminar held in New Martinsville March 13-15, coordinated by New Martinsville Police Department Detective Donnie Harris.

“It was amazing,” said Ruckman. Plus, dealing with dual-purpose dogs is what he ultimately wants to do in life, particularly on a federal level. He is currently thinking about entering the military after his college graduation, hoping experience with the fight against drugs in the Coast Guard could lead to a career in the Drug Enforcement Agency.

“You learn different things from each of them,” Ruckman said of spending time with different officers. He has learned about traffic stops, different procedures and codes, court proceedings, and accident reports which are extremely long, approximately 14 pages of information to be used for statistics. “That was surprising,” noted Ruckman.

The 2004 graduate of Magnolia High School is the son of Sheldon and Paula Ruckman. While completing his internship, he is also finishing up work for his degree online with Liberty University and taking two classes at West Virginia Northern Community College. He expects to graduate May 9 with honors.