There's a new sheriff in town. Or, at least, there will be on January 1. As you know by now, Wayne Hannah won without the need for a run-off against three other very worthy candidates.

Tom Mindar is a cops' cop. Ask them. They'll tell you that, if they need somebody to do a tough or dangerous job, he's the first to volunteer.

Dave Simmons is a champion for law enforcement. Both years when we needed to raise money for our Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet, he came to the courthouse with his checkbook open to donate. He has a particular passion for the families of peace officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

I don't know a better man than Barry Babb. He is an excellent example of a Christian servant. He is a devoted family man. He is a top-notch law enforcement officer.

For Wayne Hannah to win without a run-off against these quality candidates speaks volumes about the prize we now have as our Sheriff-Elect. We get a sheriff who has been on the job protecting this county for longer than Randall Johnson has been sheriff. We get a sheriff who will continue the tradition that puts us on a lofty level. We get a sheriff who meets with me, with school officials, and with the chiefs of police to form and solidify partnerships to maintain our quality of life in Fayette County.

Remember when the protesters came to the courthouse to complain about our sentences for gang members? Well, they came back a couple of weeks later. They were met by about a dozen law enforcement officers. I watched from the second floor of the courthouse. A patrol car drove up. A tall deputy emerged and calmly put on his hat. The deputy walked straight toward the leader of the protesters. In a few minutes, they got back into their cars and drove away.

Of course, the deputy was Wayne Hannah. He's our new sheriff. He and his deputies will guard our county just like they guarded the courthouse earlier this year.

Congratulations, Wayne. In the District Attorney's Office, we're here for you every time you need us.