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The Covington County Commission approved letting bids for two patrol vehicles during a meeting Tuesday.

The vehicles to be bid will be SUVs for the Covington County Sheriff’s Office and bids will be solicited at the local level. According to Sheriff David Turman, the vehicles are not currently available on the state bid list.

The purchase of the vehicles were budgeted items for the sheriff’s office.

Turman also recognized CCSO Investigator Michael Bishop, presenting him with the Sheriff’s Award Pin.

Bishop has served as a School Resource Officer at Red Level and recently completed the National Association of School Resource Officers’ practitioner course.

“He gives 100 percent in everything he does and has a heart for helping kids. He’s a foster parent and a counselor. Completing the National Association of School Resource Officers practitioner course is a high honor that requires a lot of dedication. He may be the most qualified SRO in the State of Alabama. I’m proud to have him on my team,” Turman said in presenting the award.

The sheriff also spoke to the commission regarding the Covington County Mounted Posse, stating he has no plans to disband the organization.

“It was established in 1966 and I have no plans to disband it,” Turman said. “However, the group does not have the authority of the sheriff’s office.”

The sheriff added that he is establishing a CCSO Posse with 20 members currently and “is still growing.”

Other items discussed by the commission included the following.

• The commissioners agreed to hold on an appointment to the Industrial Development Board.

• Approved an emergency purchase of two tires for a paving machine at a cost of $1,590.

• Agreed to recognize the Back to School Tax Holiday scheduled for July 16-18.

The next meeting of the county commission is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend.