GIRARD, KS.--- The new Crawford County Sheriff, Dan Peak, was sworn into office this morning. He spent his day hosting a retirement party for Sandy Horton. Peak served as Crawford County's under sheriff for 18 years.
His main goal as sheriff is to develop deeper and better relationships with the community. Peak says having deputies interact closely with Crawford County citizens will help the sheriff's office be more successful in battling crime.
"Policing involves everyone. It's a matter of the community getting involved too. They are our eyes when we're not in their area," states Dan Peak, Crawford County Sheriff.
Peak says this is a very exciting time for him, yet bittersweet to no longer be working alongside Sheriff Horton.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of people gathered at St. Michael's Church in Girard to honor Sandy Horton. He has worked for the Crawford County Sheriff's Office for 33 years.
Members of the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Crawford County leaders gave Horton certificates and awards in recognition for his work as sheriff.
"I have, really, some mixed emotions today. A lot of it is tough. It's been a long time, 33 years with the office and the last half as sheriff. Its been an honor for me to serve," states Sandy Horton, Retired Crawford County Sheriff.
Horton says retirement will allow him to spend more time with his family, but he will stay busy, serving as executive director of the Kansas Sheriff's Association.
His main goal as sheriff is to develop deeper and better relationships with the community. Peak says having deputies interact closely with Crawford County citizens will help the sheriff's office be more successful in battling crime.
"Policing involves everyone. It's a matter of the community getting involved too. They are our eyes when we're not in their area," states Dan Peak, Crawford County Sheriff.
Peak says this is a very exciting time for him, yet bittersweet to no longer be working alongside Sheriff Horton.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of people gathered at St. Michael's Church in Girard to honor Sandy Horton. He has worked for the Crawford County Sheriff's Office for 33 years.
Members of the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Crawford County leaders gave Horton certificates and awards in recognition for his work as sheriff.
"I have, really, some mixed emotions today. A lot of it is tough. It's been a long time, 33 years with the office and the last half as sheriff. Its been an honor for me to serve," states Sandy Horton, Retired Crawford County Sheriff.
Horton says retirement will allow him to spend more time with his family, but he will stay busy, serving as executive director of the Kansas Sheriff's Association.
