(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a pair of Ford pickups to be used as patrol units by the Sheriff's Department when they met last week.

The pickups will be purchased from Hullman's Ford in Falls City at the state bid contract of $46,093.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty also reported that a deputy has been hired to fill a vacancy. Taylor Bredemeier is already a certified law enforcement officer.

The Board also further reviewed Sheriff Hardesty's proposed salary increases to be effective July 1 for department staff. No action was taken by the Board. Commissioners said they would continue to review the request and finalize a decision following the county budget review.

The Sheriff's department will be taking part in a special speed enforcement program July 14 - 31. A grant to pay for the overtime hours accrued by deputies during the enforcement has been applied for through the Nebraska Department of Highway Transportation.