KENANSVILLE — Ron England is the newest staff member at the Duplin County Department of Social Services. He is easy to spot. He is the only one carrying a loaded pistol.

The former marine is paid to protect employees from potentially violent clients. He says things have been fairly quiet so far.

England appreciates quiet days, but he's trained to handle threatening visitors. The department asked for a guard this summer after several threats involving child support and child protection.

Duplin County Social Services Director Millie Brown says several incidents led them to ask for a guard.

In January, more restrictive welfare laws begin statewide, and some people are worried that clients may take their frustrations out on social workers.