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Anderson County Sheriff Rudy Flores took office just after the clock struck midnight Friday , Jan . 1 , 2021 . In an effort to create a smooth transition into office , Flores met with outgoing sheriff Greg Taylor Thursday , Dec . 31 . Then , surrounded by family and friends , Flores was sworn into office by District Judge Michael Davis just after midnight Friday morning at Nuna ’ s Cajun Restaurant .
“ Sheriff Rudy Flores will bring a unique perspective to Anderson County through his prior experience and is well-prepared to hit the ground running ,” Davis said . “ One only has to look at the fact I ’ m swearing him in at midnight to gauge his level of motivation . I ’ m very excited about our future with Sheriff Flores and look forward to seeing great things from his administration in the years to come .
“ I would like to thank Greg Taylor and his family for their years of service to the citizens of Anderson County . Serving your community in this role is often challenging and involves great sacrifice , but our future is in good hands .”
While most county officials are sworn in during the day on Jan . 1 , County Judge Robert Johnston , said a midnight oath of office is not uncommon for the position of sheriff , but has not been required due to the four consecutive terms the office was held by Sheriff Greg Taylor .
“ My term in office officially begins on Jan . 1 , and due to the transition of authority from Sheriff Taylor to myself , and the nature of things that can happen on a holiday like New Year ’ s Eve , I want to be sworn in and ready to serve the people of Anderson County as soon as possible ,” Flores said .
Flores then swore in his new leadership team , made up of Chief Deputy Nick Webb , Captain Jay Russell , Captain Jerry Kaelin and Captain T . J . Choate .
According to Flores ’ social media account , at 9 a . m . Friday , Jan . 1 , he held his first official meeting with the entire staff of the Anderson County Sheriff ’ s Office and introduced his leadership team .
“ We discussed upcoming changes and challenges and introduced our new uniform changes ,” Flores said .
Flores gave special thanks to Chief Mark Harcrow and the Palestine Police Department , Constable David
There ’ s a new sheriff in town Story by PennyLynn Webb ; Photos by Stuart Whitaker
Courtesy Photo
Franklin , Constable Doug Lightfoot , Constable Kim Holiday and troopers with the Department of Public Safety for covering the sheriff ’ s office calls while it held its first department wide meeting .
Palestine Police Chief Mark Harcrow said he is looking forward to a strong partnership between the Palestine Police Department and the Anderson County Sheriff ’ s Office .
“ I want to congratulate Sheriff Flores on his new position as our sheriff ,” Harcrow said . “ I couldn ’ t be more excited about the leadership and experience he brings to the table .”
Community members and business owners said they are also excited about Flores taking office .
“ The reporting staff at the Herald-Press looks forward to working closely with Rudy in his new position as Anderson County Sheriff ,” Publisher Jake Mienk said . “ Being the county ’ s top law enforcement