Dave Mahon Sworn in as Sheriff

Dave Mahon is officially on the job as Effingham County Sheriff.

Mahon was sworn in by Effingham County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel in a ceremony at the Effingham County Office Building. The first floor conference room used for the ceremony is located just outside the sheriff's office and once served as a courtroom for those just booked into the county jail.

Mahon was true to a campaign pledge; in his first official act as sheriff, he is requesting to opt out of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund for his years as sheriff, saying the move should save more than $63,000.

Mahon's wife, Sherri, was on hand for the ceremony as was his mother, Rita, his brother and his sister and brother-in-law. A large contingent of law enforcement personnel were also present; county personnel, but also city and state police. City Police Chief Mike Schutzbach, who also ran for sheriff, was also on hand. Mahon said he and the chief have already met and he thinks the sheriff's department and police department will have a good working relationship.

(SHERRI AND DAVE MAHON)

The ceremony also featured the swearing-in of new Chief Deputy Paul Kuhns. Kuhns, a longtime member of the department, will succeed John Niccum, who had been acting chief deputy sheriff since John Loy's retirement. Mahon had said earlier that Kuhns' knowledge of the sheriff's department operation will be helpful as he begins to put his stamp on the department.

(A CROSS-SECTION OF FAMILY, FRIENDS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WAS ON HAND FOR THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY)

Mahon also thanked retired sheriff John Monnet for his 12 years' service as sheriff and his many previous years in law enforcement as part of the Effingham Police Department.