New year brings new staff to TylerCounty Sheriff's Department

by Stefani Byron-Wade

With the new year has come some changes for Tyler County Sheriffs Office. Within a few minutes after the stroke of mid-night, while most county residents were shooting off fireworks and embracing one another to ring in 2013, Bryan Weatherford was taking his oath of office as the new Sheriff of our county.

Sheriff Weatherford's first act of duty was the appointment of two new Chief Deputies. Phillip Ryan, former officer at the Woodville Police Department, was appointed to Chief Deputy of Operations. Chief Deputy Ryan now leads the Communications Division and Sheriff's Deputies. Steven Sturrock, former Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, has been appointed Chief Deputy of Administrations. Chief Deputy Sturrock leads the jail staff and the remaining Sheriffs Office personnel.

Terry Riley and David Davis have also joined the Sheriffs Office team. Terry Riley is the new Captain over Courthouse Security. Captain Riley has recently lead the changes and security updates taking place at our county's courthouse. David Davis was sworn in as a deputy. Deputy Davis will work closely with the City of Ivanhoe Council Members who have a contract with the Sheriffs Office for additional patrol in their city.

Many faces still remain at the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Weatherford held a personnel meeting to express his excitement as being elected to the position. Along with this position comes a multitude of responsibilities, and Sheriff Weatherford reported to his staff his top responsibility was to the citizens of Tyler County. Sheriff Weatherford said he would stand firm on his principals, being fair across the board and consistent in his leadership. It is not hard for anyone to see Sheriff Weatherford has a vision for the Tyler County Sheriff's Office, by placing key personnel in positions of leadership. Weatherford believes change is inevitable and the citizens of Tyler County will be more than satisfied with the outcome. Weatherford wants to lead in such a way the community will have complete confidence in the Tyler County Sheriff's Office.