Sheriff Richard Wiles sworn in for third term

El Paso Sheriff Richard Wiles was sworn in for his third consecutive term on Sunday January 1st at 12:00 am. It is not only a tradition that the sheriff be sworn into office on midnight, but a state law.

“This has been a tradition not only in this agency, but in counties all over the state for the sheriff to be sworn in at midnight,” Sheriff Richard Wiles said.

Sheriff Wiles was sworn in surrounded by friends and family that rung in the New Year and witnessed his third oath of office. He along with many other sheriffs continued a tradition that dates years back, essentially renewing his and his colleague’s official power.

Sheriff Wile’s main concern for 2017 seemed to be to keep the jail downtown in operation and securing the 200 jobs for the employees.

“The future of the downtown jail and federal prisoners, we are confident that we brought cost down enough in the last eight years that the federal prisoners are bringing revenue in and it supports over 200 good paying jobs in this community,” Sheriff Wiles said.

Sheriff Richard Wiles won the position for El Paso Sheriff in November in a heated race that had many controversies, making his third swear in one that was definitely worth it. In a way getting sworn into office is a symbolic gesture of the year that has passed and the new one that awaits.

“Its the ending of the old year and looking forward to a great prosperous new year,” Sheriff Wiles said.