Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Scott Hammonds was sworn in as the new sheriff of Beaufort County on Monday evening (Dec. 5) at the Beaufort County Courthouse in Washington in front of friends, family, former colleagues as well as sheriffs deputies and emergency service personnel. He was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Wayland Sermons. 

Hammonds announced that Timothy Hickman will serve as Chief Deputy. Hammonds chose Hickman, because he’s “proud of where he comes from” and “proud of what he has to offer.” Hammonds said Hickman “played a big role” during the incident at Washington High School on Dec. 1 when a hoax call went out to multiple North Carolina schools claiming there was an active shooter on campus and students were injured. Hickman said he’s “honored” to have been selected by Hammonds for the promotion. 

Hammonds made six other promotions on Monday evening. David Richards was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Russell Davenport was promoted to the rank of Captain, Michael Gerard was promoted to the rank of Captain, Kevin Sitterson was promoted to the rank of Captain, Wesley Waters was promoted to the rank of Captain and Jeremy Hewitt was promoted to the rank of Major. 

Deputies and emergency communications personnel took their oaths on Monday evening as well. On Monday morning, the following elected clerks were sworn in; Keith Phelps of Washington County, Angie Sexton of Tyrrell County, Marty Paramore of Beaufort County and Superior Court Judge Wayland Sermons.