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New Cabell sheriff sworn in before crowd
Sherriff Tom McComas takes the oath of office on Friday, Jan. 9, 2008, at the Cabell County Courthouse.
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HUNTINGTON -- It was standing room only in a Cabell County Courthouse courtroom for the swearing in ceremony for the new sheriff on Friday.
More than 300 supporters squeezed into Judge Dan O'Hanlon's courtroom, including about 75 people who were lined up three-deep along the walls, to show their support for new Sheriff Thomas W. McComas.
The new sheriff thanked his supporters for their help -- without which, he said, wouldn't have decidedly won the November election against Republican Jim Scheidler.
"You can't campaign by yourself," McComas said. "I cannot thank them enough."
With his uncles and wife by his side, McComas was sworn in by close friend Cabell Circuit Judge Alfred Ferguson.
Ferguson became emotional for only a moment during the ceremony when he began explaining the honor and privilege he felt in swearing in such a good man and a great friend.
But after fighting away the tears and steadying his voice Ferguson proclaimed, "There's a new sheriff in town. If you're a bad guy you better get out of town before sunrise."
Tuesday afternoon's ceremony was an opportunity to allow his supporters to share in the experience. The official ceremony took place earlier that day when he was sworn in by Circuit Judge David M. Pancake, Ferguson said.
Also sworn in were Lt. Doug Ferguson and Betty Bates. Doug Ferguson will head up the Law Enforcement Division and Bates will lead the Tax Division.
