By Marla Jones, Managing Editor (DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — At 12:01am on January 1, 2019, Nick Welden was sworn-in as DeKalb County Sheriff. Welden entered the office two weeks prior to his swearing-in through an official appointment by Governor Kay Ivey after now-former Sheriff Jimmy Harris submitted his retirement early.
The original date for Harris’ retirement and Welden’s entrance into the office was January 14. Welden will serve the final two weeks of Harris’ term and officially begin his tenure on that date.
The new command staff and employees were also sworn in to begin work immediately.
Sheriff Welden stated, “This was definitely a shock to begin the New Year, without a doubt one that I’ll never forget, but also a blessed opportunity from the Good Lord to begin a task earlier than expected, to only move this county in a very proactive and professional manner.”
“We ask that the community support us and pray for us on such a short notice and on the decisions we have to make,” said Welden. “We are simply keeping the citizens in mind over the next few days as we make these important changes.”
In August 2017, Sheriff Jimmy Harris announced that he would not seek reelection to a fourth term as DeKalb County Sheriff. He served inside the Sheriff’s Office for almost thirty years. In his statement, he said, “Whoever is our new Sheriff, if they need help or advice, all they have to do is call.”
Harris said his only regret was that he could advise the incoming administration on pertinent information regarding federal inmates and update Welden on the over 100 employees that the Sheriff’s Office employs. He stated that his mission had always been to help the incoming Sheriff with any questions that they might have.
With plenty of confusion surrounding the sudden change of power, County Administrator Matt Sharp released a statement to clarify the situation:
“Late last week, Sheriff-elect Nick Welden came by the Commission Office and talked about the transition, which was scheduled to happen on January 14, 2019. He stated that a deputy had told him that Jimmy Harris was planning to retire effective January 1, 2019. He was concerned about who would be the responsible official if this was the case. We reviewed Sheriff Harris’ retirement application and found that it stated a retirement and termination date of January 1, 2019, with a last day of compensation dated December 31, 2018. Having never had a Sheriff retire under the State Retirement System before, Mr. Harcrow contacted the County Commission Association for their advice. Upon their request, we sent the retirement documentation to them. From there, it went to the Governor’s Office for their input. Typically, when an official resigns or passes away in office, the Governor appoints someone to fill the remainder of the term. On December 31, we received a letter from Gov. Ivey appointing Nick Welden on January 1, 2019.”
The letter from Governor Ivey appointing Welden to the position can be found on our website at www.southerntorch.com.
The official swearing-in for Sheriff Nick Welden will be held on Monday, January 14 at 10am in the second floor courtroom in the DeKalb County Courthouse. He will be sworn in alongside Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn and incoming Circuit Clerk Todd Greeson.