Historic event as RCH gets security officer
With wife Beth at his side, Johnny Dial, left, was sworn in last week as the first-ever, armed security officer at the Russell County Hospital (RCH). Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston, right, administered the oath, as RCH CEO Scott Thompson, far right, looked on.
By Wade Daffron
TJ Editor
In what was deemed a “historic event,” the Russell County Hospital’s first-ever, armed security officer was officially sworn into duty last Tuesday.
Johnny Dial, a military veteran, former member of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, and officer with the Columbia Police Department, received the oath from Sheriff Derek Polston.
“It’s a very historical moment for all us,” the sheriff said.
The oath was met with a round of applause.
“For several years, we had talked about the need for contract armed security…and how we might accomplish that,” Russell County Hospital (RCH) CEO Scott Thompson said. “This day has been a long time coming. We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this.”
Thompson said several candidates were interviewed for the position-which was made available through a federal COPS grant in partnership with the local sheriff’s office.
The CEO welcomed Dial to the RCH “family,” and said funding may be pursued for additional officers in the future.
