Our great county is growing by leaps and bounds, and we need more dedicated men and women who are willing and ready to work alongside our deputies. We are calling on all interested individuals who feel a calling to help mankind, and to accept the challenge.”

Eric Fagan, Fort Bend County sheriff

The U.S. Marines, the advertising slogan goes, are looking for a few good men. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office, meanwhile, is looking for some deputies, 911 dispatchers and detention officers.

The sheriff’s office is inviting the public to take a look at career possibilities as it hosts a career expo, set for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, in Richmond. The expo is open to the public and pre-registration is recommended.

Last year, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office launched a major recruitment campaign. Sheriff Eric Fagan said it’s a matter of public safety.

“Our great county is growing by leaps and bounds, and we need more dedicated men and women who are willing and ready to work alongside our deputies,” Fagan said. “We are calling on all interested individuals who feel a calling to help mankind, and to accept the challenge.”

Interested job applicants should bring identification, their questions, and considerations to recruiters in each field. Various sheriff’s office divisions will be on hand to explain the career pathways for civilians and peace officers. Applicants will also have the opportunity to see firsthand the equipment and vehicles that are used in the field.

Yet while the sheriff’s office is pursuing its recruitment campaign, it is not the only area government agency looking to add new officers. The area’s growing population brings with it a desire for more officers and first responders, and local agencies are competing for talented people to serve the public.

The recently adopted Katy city budget calls for the addition of a new officer and a paramedic/firefighter. About 54% of the city’s $54.8 million budget goes for public safety. As officers retire, the city must look to replace them in the ranks. At the time of the budget’s passage in September, three officer positions needed to be filled.

Katy ISD also looks to hire new officers. The district is holding a tax ratification election this month, in which voters are being asked whether they will approve, or ratify, keeping the property tax rate at $1.3517 per $100 property valuation. If approved, district officials said the money would go for increasing teacher and staff salaries, but some of the money would be used to hire new Katy ISD police officers.

For more information about the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office, visit the website fbcsheriff.org and click Careers, or the website fortbendcounty.jobs. Those wanting more information can also email fbcsorecruiting@fbctx.gov or call 281-652-7761.