There’s a new sheriff in town. Richard Books was sworn in Thursday, as Blair County Sheriff. He’ll serve until the sheriff elected in November takes office in January.
Judge Elizabeth Doyle also administered the oath of office to Brooks’ chief deputy, lieutenant, and the other deputies in the department.
“Those that are there and have been there are excellent, they take the new people under their wings and train them. There’s a very good staff. I’m very proud to be part of it,” Books said.
Books served as a deputy in the sheriff’s office, and as the Allegheny Township Police Chief.
Former Sheriff Mitch Cooper retired in January, and the county commissioners fired the acting sheriff in April.
Governor Wolf nominated Books to take the sheriff’s position and the State Senate confirmed the nomination on Monday.
