SOUTH BEND — The Pacific County Department of Corrections, formerly known as the Pacific County Jail, cleared a hurdle on Jan. 17 after Director Jim Byrd and legal counsel combed state laws. After separating from the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office in late December, the agency scrambled to solve a limited commission issue.

Pacific County Sheriff Daniel Garcia offered to provide a limited commission only if he could oversee the department’s training, which Byrd opposed.

According to Pacific County General Administration Risk Manager Marie Guernsey, Byrd and legal counsel found that state law allows Byrd to commission corrections officers.

“We contacted our legal counsel, and they conducted research; I can’t say everything because that’s attorney-client privilege,” Guernsey said. “But in essence, they said, ‘Yes, that Jim can issue the commission, and the RCW [state law] states that they can carry firearms.’”

Six corrections officers were sworn in by Byrd as limited commission officers on Jan. 17 in Pacific County Superior Court.

The rest of the corrections officers will be sworn in soon, including corrections officers who are currently completing their basic training at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s academy.

“It’s been a good afternoon,” Pacific County Chief Administrator Paul Plakinger said.

“It’s been a great afternoon,” Guernsey echoed.

The Pacific County Commissioners are also glad things are looking on the upside for the corrections department.

“I am very happy that the process is moving along, and the transition is going as smoothly as we can make it go,” Commissioner Lisa Olsen said.