HC Constitutional officers sworn in

BONIFAY – New Holmes County Sheriff Tim Brown is making drug enforcement a top priority for his office. Brown discussed plans for his administration inn an interview after he was sworn in Tuesday in the BOCC meeting room.

Brown joined Circuit Court Clerk Cody Taylor, Tax Collector Harry Bell, Jr., Property Appraiser Otis Corbin, and Supervisor of Elections Debbie Wilcox Morris in being sworn in by County Judge Owen Powell. Taylor was sworn in by his son, Zachary Taylor, Esq.

Brown brought former Chipley Police Dept. Investigator John Braxton, Jr. in as chief deputy based in large part on Braxton’s considerable experience in investigating drug cases. “We want to stay on top there,” Brown said.

Brown also announced that former Bonifay Police Chief Ronnie Bennett would be lieutenant over road deputies. Former Washington County Deputy Capt. James Barnes would be captain and jail supervisor, as well as providing his knowledge from many years in law enforcement. Sgt. Steve Gecko will return to the department.

“You always want to surround yourself with good people,” Brown said. Most of the department will remain in service he said.

Brown also thanked outgoing Sheriff Dennis Lee and his staff for helping with the transition. “The transition went well,” Brown said. “I appreciate how Dennis opened doors and made it easy for me.”

Brown said he and the department would waste no time getting active. The new sheriff said they planned “to slide right in” and go to work immediately. One thing he plans to do is make the department more visible to the public.

“We want to get out and about,” Brown said. “We want them to realize they own the department and that we work for them.”

More coverage online at bonifaynow.com and in Wednesday's Holmes County Times-Advertiser