Pictured are Sheriff John Brookover and Chief Deputy Mike Koontz. (Photo by Lauren Riggs)

Wetzel County Sheriff’s Deputy Cpl. Mike Koontz was appointed the department’s chief deputy Tuesday morning by Sheriff John Brookover.

Brookover praised Koontz’s work at the department, stating that Koontz had held the position of sheriff for three months prior to Brookover taking office. “He helped me tremendously with a lot of administrative work,” Brookover noted.

When asked how he felt about his new position at the department, Koontz stated, “I’m honored . . . I have a lot of respect for John.”

Koontz was recently honored at the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Dinner on April 30 as Employee of the Year.