Texas County officially has a new sheriff.
Scott Lindsey, who won the Nov. 6 special election to fill the vacancy as the county’s top law enforcement officer, was sworn in late Friday afternoon during a brief and low-key moment in the office of Clerk Laura Crowley inside the Texas County Administrative Center.
“I thought it was important to get this done so it’s legal,” Lindsey said.
Lindsey, a Republican, defeated Democrat Doug Kyle 7,474-1,668 to replace former sheriff James Sigman, who was arrested in July and charged with seven felonies and two misdemeanors. Lindsey will fulfill the remainder of Sigman’s term that ends in December 2020.
Rowdy Douglas had served as interim sheriff following Sigman’s arrest. Lindsey said during his campaign that Douglas would serve as his chief deputy.
Lindsey has served as a full-time police officer with the City of Licking the past 20 years. He was named police chief in 2006.Â
Lindsey said he plans to begin his duties leading the department Monday morning. He said he will hold a public celebration at a later time to mark the beginning of his tenure.
“My No. 1 priority is to continue to build off of the positive changes Interim Sheriff Rowdy Douglas has started and change the reputation of the sheriff’s office from a reactive agency to a more proactive one, which has more communication with citizens,” Lindsey said during his campaign. “The only way to restore the trust of the citizens will be to lead by example and prove to them by results that they can trust the sheriff’s office. I believe in professional standards, morals and integrity. My personal moral compass is guided by my Christian faith.
“I seek to lead by example and operate a department that provides citizens with a professional service in all aspects. After visiting with many citizens, it’s clear that several feel like past promises by candidates have not been fulfilled or have been broken.”