By Staff Reports (Photo by DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office:At 12:01 am, January 1, 2019, Nick Welden was sworn-in as DeKalb County’s new Sheriff. Welden was officially appointed by Governor Kay Ivey (see attached memo) after former Sheriff Jimmy Harris submitted his retirement early, and chose to vacate the office on January 1.

The original date for Harris to leave office and Welden to be sworn-in was January 14, 2019. The new sheriff will serve out the remainder of Harris’ term, and begin the new term on January 14th.

After being sworn in, the new command staff and current employees were also sworn in to immediately begin work.

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.”

Immediately after being sworn-in by Circuit Judge-elect Andrew Hairston, Sheriff Welden appointed his command staff, and work was immediately begun and continued into the early morning hours.

“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.”

“God Bless you all,” he concluded.