Delaware County has formally inked a deal with the Delaware Area Career Center that will provide training opportunities for the sheriff’s deputies.

Under the agreement, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s vocational high school will share the cost of newly hired Commander David Wiseman, who will lead a basic peace officer training program for those looking to enter law enforcement, as well as an advanced training program for county’s law enforcement officials.

“This is a great opportunity for collaboration with one of our local stakeholders,” said Sheriff Russ Martin.

County commissioners approved the deal last week.

Martin said he had been searching for training space for his deputies, who he believes will be required to train to an even greater degree in light of recent events involving law enforcement officials.

“This is probably the most difficult time in law enforcement that I’ve been aware of over the last four decades,” he said. “We are going to see new initiatives basically come out of what’s going on in our country today regarding how police respond to their communities. I think we do a great job of that in Delaware County, and we want to do a better job of it.”

Wiseman, 48, has 26 years of experience in law enforcement, most recently serving as chief of the London Police Department in Madison County. He was one of four candidates for the position.

“When you take on something like that, it’s important to get the right people in the right positions,” said Martin.

Wiseman will be paid an annual salary of $76,000, plus $33,600 worth of benefits each year. The sheriff’s office and the Delaware Area Career Center will split both costs.

“When you have partnerships, you are bringing the best of two worlds together,” said Mary Beth Freeman, superintendent of the Delaware Area Career Center.

The agreement runs through June 30, 2018.