Sheriff, county officers take oaths of office

Four Comanche County officials started their new terms Friday, after taking their oaths of office in two separate ceremonies.

Michael Merritt’s term marks the first time in more than 30 years that Comanche County has had a new sheriff.

“There’s a new sheriff in town,” District Judge Scott Meaders said jokingly, adding he has been involved in the local legal and law enforcement community since 1996 and that is the first time he has been able to make that statement.

While Merritt’s elected term began Friday, he actually has been serving in that capacity since former Sheriff Kenny Stradley retired Oct. 31. Merritt was a bit emotional in his statements to those who packed into the jury room to witness the ceremony, explaining his father had died during his campaign for sheriff.

“The Bible I used today was his,” he said, of the Bible his wife Kimberly held for him while he took his oath of office from Meaders.

The new sheriff hit the ground running, saying he already has moved to implement some campaign promises by seeking out grant funds to help modernize the sheriff’s office. Merritt also said that in an adult life of taking oaths as a firefighter, emergency management director and law enforcement officer, his oath as sheriff is the most important.

An hour earlier, Central District Commissioner Johnny Owens, County Clerk Carrie Tubbs and Court Clerk Robert Morales took their oaths of office from Meaders. All three are veteran Comanche County officers, and all three won new terms without elections after failing to draw opponents.

Morales said he looks forward to new challenges as court clerk.

“Our journey is always going to be hard,” he said. “Change is going to happen anyway.”

Tubbs thanked the people who came to witness the early-morning ceremony, including what she said was an extensive and supportive family.

“Comanche County has been my family for 24 years,” she said, adding she also has been amazed by the “great team” in her office that has dealt with numerous issues, including the COVID pandemic and recently completing strict federal paperwork associated with the American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Owens also thanked the long-term friends and co-workers who have worked with him over the years, adding that even Meaders traces his links to the Comanche County Courthouse back decades because Meaders’ mother worked there. Owens also complimented courthouse workers, saying offices are working together very well.