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Hundreds turn out for Hillsborough jailer jobs

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By KEVIN WIATROWSKI

kwiatrowski@tampatrib.com

Published: October 25, 2009

TAMPA - Hundreds of people waited in line for hours Saturday for the chance to apply to become jailers with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The possibility of employment drew people from all over Florida, said Lt. Kyle Cockream, head of the department's recruitment division.

"It's somewhat heart-wrenching listening to people talk about the state they're in," he said.

Angel Romero, recently discharged from the military, hoped his experience would work in his favor.

"I'm trying to get through to get something," Romero said as he passed the two-hour mark in line. "It is harder than it was before. You've got to keep trying until something comes up."

The sheriff's office is looking to fill 100 detention deputy slots, as well as 150 spots elsewhere in the department. The job fair at the Falkenburg Road Jail was for detention deputies.

Applicants had to be 21 and have at least a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma. They also must be able to do 20 push-ups in a minute to demonstrate their physical fitness.

Some applicants were advised to go home and change into more professional clothing, said Sgt. Christopher Powell.

"If you present yourself wearing a T-shirt and jeans, you're not presenting yourself in the best light," Powell said.

The turnout surprised organizers.

"It exceeded our expectations by all stretches of the imagination," Cockream said.

News Channel 8 photojournalist Indira LeVine contributed to this report. Reporter Kevin Wiatrowski can be reached at (813) 731-8168.

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