Pennsylvania Statutes Title 16 P.S. Counties § 4221.6. Probationary period

All appointments to positions in the force of deputy sheriffs shall be for a probationary period of nine months. During that period an appointee may not be promoted nor may he be dismissed except for cause as specified in section 10 of this act.  1 If, at the close of the probationary period, the conduct or fitness of the probationery  2 has not been satisfactory to the sheriff of the county, the probationer shall be notified in writing that he will not receive a permanent appointment. Thereupon, the appointment shall cease. Otherwise, his retention shall be equivalent to a permanent appointment.