NESS CITY — Jose Sandoval Jr. has been named a deputy sheriff at the Ness County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s department, Sandoval graduated in 2013 from Liberal High School and also completed AIT/basic training in 2013. Sandoval is currently enlisted with the National Guard and has been for nearly six years. His duties involve transporting vehicles in convoys and providing security for those convoys.

Sandoval, a Ness City resident, will attend the KLETC Academy in 2019.

The announcement was made by Undersheriff William Sutton, who is serving as acting head of the department. Sheriff Bryan Whipple recently pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge and agreed to resign.

An appointment to fill Whipple’s vacancy is expected within the next 20 days. Whipple’s term ends in 2020.