Entry-level Deputy Steve Mueller will go to work for the sheriff's department effective Oct. 1. It’s akin to the hit television series Undercover Boss with one major difference — the employees of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department will know the identity of their newest employee.

Beginning Oct. 1, sheriff-elect Steve Mueller will familiarize himself with the inner workings of the department as an entry level deputy. Mueller, a former S.C. Highway Patrol commander, edged Rick Burgess in a June runoff to become the next sheriff.

Mueller will officially take the reins of sheriff on Jan. 1, 2011.

Cherokee County Interim Administrator Ben Clary told Cherokee County Council members Monday that current Sheriff Bill Blanton made the request so Mueller “can get a handle on what’s going on.”

Clary added that Mueller would fill an existing vacancy in the department.

Clary noted that Mueller will receive

deputy salary which could range from

27,851 to $34,446, according to a South Carolina Association of Counties wage report. Blanton earns $65,675, according to the wage report.