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Three deputies assume new roles at sheriff’s department
Three Putnam County sheriff’s deputies are adjusting to new roles following recent promotions announced by the Department.
Deputy Riley Houghton took on his first supervisory role with the promotion to shift sergeant. He replaces Sgt. Kyle Gibbons, who is moving from supervisor on night shift to day shift.
Gibbons, in turn, is replacing Lt. Donnie Pettit, who is moving into a detective position.
The need for the changes springs from the impending retirement of Capt. Pat McFadden, the department’s longest-tenured detective.
“We’re trying to plan for Pat McFadden’s retirement next year so Donnie is transitioning into a detective’s role,” Sheriff Scott Stockton said.
Pettit has been a deputy for 24 years.
The open day-shift spot is a welcomed change for Gibbons, an 11-year department veteran.
“Gibbons is senior sergeant and had asked to go to days so we made him day-shift supervisor,” Stockton said.
And then there’s Houghton. The sheriff was effusive in his praise of the nearly four-year department veteran.
“I’m really proud of Riley for what all he’s achieved,” Sheriff Scott Stockton said. “He was selected through a competitive promotion process. We’re glad to have him on the supervisory team.”
Stockton and Chief Deputy Matt Demmings said the promotion process, like the hiring process, is blind up to the point of interviews. A candidate’s job performance, longevity, resume, education and certifications are all considered and then an interview is conducted.
“We don’t play favorites,” Stockton said. “No one has an advantage because they know someone.”
Houghton was first hired in September 2015. He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in February 2016, having served as president of the 126-member class.
Prior to his time with the sheriff’s department, Houghton served in the U.S. Army, earning his honorable discharge from the 205th Infantry in 2013.