Two new deputies have joined the Wood County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Jeff Sandy said in a press release that Deputies Richard George and Christopher Piggott graduated from the West Virginia State Police Academy Friday with high academic honors.

Now they will start on the job training from their fellow deputies.

Deputy George ranked second in his class academically.

Deputy Piggott was awarded the West Virginia Chiefs of Police Association's Carl E. Kocher Outstanding Officer Award.

Sheriff Sandy was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony.

Phone calls to Sheriff Sandy about the new hires were not returned Saturday. There was no other information available as to whether these officers replaced retirees or were added to the office.