THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN

Mike Lewis Takes the Reins

SALISBURY -- A proud and energetic Mike Lewis took the Wicomico
County sheriff oath shortly after 4 p.m. Monday with family, friends
and about 75 deputies close by.

Wicomico County State's Attorney Davis Ruark said Lewis became
sheriff by defining himself as a good man who will fight evil across
the county. After taking the oath, Lewis said he is eager to work
with his deputies and the County Council.

"You all make me so proud. The last eight months have been a very
long road," Lewis said addressing his deputies. "I commend you for
your diligence and being strong through this tough time."

The audience offered six standing ovations during the hour-long ceremony.

He said one of his priorities would be to fight drugs and he cited
the county's drug court as an effective rehabilitation program. He
challenged his deputies to curtail drugs, which are directly or
indirectly related to 86 percent of all crime, he added.

On the Wicomico High School Auditorium stage with Lewis to accept the
honor was his wife, Denise, and two children, Adam and Ally. His
parents, Bob and Jean, also sat with him.

"We're so happy for him," Bob Lewis said about his son who has wanted
to be in law enforcement since high school. "Wicomico is due for a
change and we're going to see some of the best changes in a long time."

Lewis was elected sheriff last month with nearly 70 percent of the
vote. He had served as a Maryland state trooper for more than two
decades. He replaces R. Hunter Nelms, who after 22 years retired last week.

"He took a Sheriff's Office with about 17 officers with three rooms
in the basement and turned it into a fine law enforcement agency,"
Ruark said about Nelms. "There is no doubt in my mind that Mike Lewis
will do more. He will lead by example."