May 19, 2013
It's a growing problem throughout the state. Small cities and counties across Alabama have a difficult time hanging onto police and firefighters.
They are often lured away to bigger cities for more pay.
Police Chief T. D. Jones said hiring and keeping qualified personnel is a balancing act. Over time, many will leave for higher paying positions elsewhere.
Patrolman John Mason is the newest member of Enterprise's finest. Mason, an Orlando, Florida native who recently left the military, wanted a small town to raise his two young children. Enterprise was the perfect fit.
Jones estimates it costs the city around $5,000 to put someone through the police academy. It's a true investment.
Jones said on any given day, he is looking to hire one or two qualified people to serve as police officers.
Several smaller Wiregrass police departments have difficulty competing with the salary and benefits package offered by larger agencies.
