Standing in the sunlight with his right hand raised, Interim County Sheriff Rodney Smith recited an oath swearing to protect Athens County citizens Wednesday morning in front of the Sheriff’s Office.
After his election Tuesday night, Smith promised to a small group of people gathered in front of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office to serve residents to the best of his ability. His wife Brenda stood on his left while Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn swore him in.
The short ceremony followed Smith’s election, where the Democratic Central Committee elected him over Detective Lt. Jack Taylor in a 36-8 vote.
Athens County Commissioner Charlie Adkins, who was also in attendance during the morning’s ceremony, supported the Central Committee’s decision to elect Smith after the commissioners appointed Smith as acting interim sheriff Mar. 25.
“I wanted this person to be someone that would be respected by the good citizens of Athens County,” Adkins said. “During all my conversations with people, I never got the first negative report that he wasn’t a good person.”
Adkins also said Smith has some financial challenges ahead of him because the office must pay Pat Kelly’s benefits and health care despite Kelly’s suspension. The sheriff’s salary is $69,372, which will be paid to both Smith and Kelly until Kelly’s case is over, according to a previous Post article.
“Budget is always a challenge,” Adkins added.
Some in the Sheriff’s Office saw the appointment of Smith as a sign of moving forward and helping the office go in a positive direction.
“We are OK with it,” said Capt. Bryan Cooper. “We’re all loyal to law enforcement and the agency. … We all know Rodney. He’s going to do a good job.”
Keller Blackburn said he hopes to continue the strong relationship his office has with police.
“My office has an outstanding working relationship with all law enforcement,” Blackburn said. “We will continue to pursue justice on behalf of the people in Athens County.”
Though Kelly retains the title of sheriff according to Ohio law, the sign outside of the Sheriff’s Office also bore the removal of Kelly’s name and soon, his name will be removed from the sheriff’s patrol car, Adkins said.
Until Kelly is convicted or found not guilty, Smith has inherited the responsibility of rebuilding trust and good relations with Athens residents.
“He believes in people,” Adkins said. “You have to look at your ego and look at the individuals you’re representing. He’s here to serve the people and not himself.”
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