BEDFORD – In a leadership shift that includes the elimination of two rank levels, the Bedford County commissioners agreed Tuesday to hire, promote or move four county jail employees.

The commissioners split the deputy warden’s job, previously a single position, into two jobs covering operations and administration. In doing so, they dissolved the jail’s captain position, they said.

Commissioner Chairman Kirt Morris said the county had also eliminated the job of sergeant, a position former warden David Kessling created last year. After Kessling’s December resignation and a period of upheaval at the jail, the commissioners hired former sheriff’s Deputy Troy Nelson last month as a long-term replacement.

“They (jail officials) feel this will be the most efficient way to get the job done,” Morris said.

On Tuesday, the commissioners promoted a guard to an open lieutenant position and hired a new lieutenant from outside. They voted to move Lt. Rocky Bernazolli to the new position as deputy warden for operations and retitled Deputy Warden Brock Evans as the new deputy for administration.

Lacking enough members for a quorum, the commissioners delayed a vote on salaries until next week.

Mirror Staff Writer Ryan Brown is at 946-7457.