Dayton News - News
County officials sworn in
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| Liberty County Sheriff Henry Patterson (in front) told those gathered at the county courthouse for the January 2 swearing-in ceremony that he would do his best not to disappoint them. Also pictured in the background are Lisa Fregia, administrative assistant to the county judge, and County Judge Phil Fitzgerald. |
By VANESA BRASHIER
A packed room of well-wishers and supporters greeted the 10 newly elected or reelected officials at a swearing-in ceremony January 2 at the Liberty County Courthouse. Only two reelected officials, Pct. 1 Constable Tim Allison and Pct. 3 Constable Danny Frankum, were absent.
The rest presented themselves in the 75th District Courtroom to receive their oaths of office. For most of the proceedings, County Judge Phil Fitzgerald administered the oaths, though some of the officials opted to have their oaths given to them by a peer.
Of those present for the ceremony, the reelected officials were District Attorney Mike Little, Tax Assessor Mark McClelland, Pct. 1 Commissioner Todd Fontenot, Pct. 3 Commissioner Melvin Hunt, Pct. 5 Constable L.W. “Warren” DeSpain and Pct. 6 Constable Royce Wheeler.
The newly elected officials — Sheriff Henry Patterson, County Attorney Wes Hinch, Pct. 2 Constable Russell Pearce and Pct. 4 Constable Chad Pafford — were all given an opportunity to address those in attendance.
Pafford and Pearce thanked voters for their support. Hinch told everyone that he looks forward to working with them and serving as county attorney.
Last on the floor was a jubilant Sheriff Henry Patterson, who hails from Cleveland. In his remarks, Patterson said, “I promise you that I will try not to disappoint you. I will work hard as sheriff.”
The ceremony, which lasted a little more than a half-hour, was followed by refreshments.
The rest presented themselves in the 75th District Courtroom to receive their oaths of office. For most of the proceedings, County Judge Phil Fitzgerald administered the oaths, though some of the officials opted to have their oaths given to them by a peer.
Of those present for the ceremony, the reelected officials were District Attorney Mike Little, Tax Assessor Mark McClelland, Pct. 1 Commissioner Todd Fontenot, Pct. 3 Commissioner Melvin Hunt, Pct. 5 Constable L.W. “Warren” DeSpain and Pct. 6 Constable Royce Wheeler.
The newly elected officials — Sheriff Henry Patterson, County Attorney Wes Hinch, Pct. 2 Constable Russell Pearce and Pct. 4 Constable Chad Pafford — were all given an opportunity to address those in attendance.
Pafford and Pearce thanked voters for their support. Hinch told everyone that he looks forward to working with them and serving as county attorney.
Last on the floor was a jubilant Sheriff Henry Patterson, who hails from Cleveland. In his remarks, Patterson said, “I promise you that I will try not to disappoint you. I will work hard as sheriff.”
The ceremony, which lasted a little more than a half-hour, was followed by refreshments.
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