BRAZOS COUNTY, TX — There's a new sheriff in town.
”It’s incredibly exciting, and it’s really humbling as well,” said Sheriff Wayne Dicky.
Inspired by his father's many years of service, Sheriff Dicky feels he was born to serve his community.
He has worked for the Sheriff's Office since his early 20s and is now excited, and humbled, by this new adventure he will embark upon as sheriff.
”I’ve worked for the Sheriff's Office since I was 20 years old, I’ve been here 35 years now, my father was in law enforcement and so it’s kind of in our blood,” Sheriff Dicky shared.
With an already strong foundation of the department being handed over, he feels there is not much that needs changing, he simply wishes to continue building and growing.
”My role will be to continue on that path of service to the community, innovations and just making sure that were making our community safe,” Sheriff Dicky added.
Keeping the community safe is at the forefront of many other officers sworn in for the new year—such as newly appointed chief deputy of the enforcement division, Paul Martinez—who is excited to work alongside Dicky and witness all that he will bring to the agency.
”Bring great leadership skills, and again, the technology world, there’s a lot out there to be made of, so I think he’s going to bring a lot to the agency,” said Paul Martinez.
There has not been a new sheriff sworn in for over two decades— so we asked if he was nervous to follow after now retired Sheriff Chris Kirk.
”Funny that someone asked me that question first as, do you have big shoes to fill? And someone else said no, it’s tall boots,” Dicky said.
Former Sheriff Kirk shared a few words on his way out, expressing he had no doubt in Sheriff Dicky's ability to carry on what he had built and gladly handing over the key.
”I definitely think that we're all ready for a new year, I'm ready to get this one kicked off and it’s a tradition, something that folks that work at Sheriff's Office's are used to every 4 years, so I'm just super excited and we’re ready to go to work,” former Sheriff Kirk added.
One main issue Sheriff Dicky shared he would like to tackle is providing mental health resources by partnering with other organizations to improve healthcare, to enhance the community, and community partnerships over all.