There’s a new sheriff in town…. actually in Hughes County.
Patrick Callahan was sworn in at this evening’s (June 21) Hughes County Commission meeting.
Sheriff Darin Johnson retired, effective today. He will stay on as “vice sheriff” in a consultant role until the end of the month. Johnson has been with the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office since 1997 (24 years).
Hughes County Jail administrator Bill Dodge is also retiring this month. The county commission has approved the hiring of Capt. Ron Nelson to take over that position. Dodge, who will also remain on staff until the end of the month, has been with the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office since 1996 (25 years).
Current Hughes County Sheriff chief deputy Dustin Drew will stay on in the same position and Lt. Josh Larson was approved as deputy jail administrator, rounding out Callahan’s command staff.
Callahan, who owns Oahe TV, has previous experience with the Pierre Police Department and the Stanley and Sully County Sheriff’s Offices. He also spent 20+ years as a medic on an ambulance crew.
Presiding 6th Circuit Judge Christina Klinger congratulates Hughes County Sheriff Patrick Callahan after giving him the oath of office. Also pictured county commissioners Tom Rounds (left) and Randy Vance (right).
Photo credit Hughes County.
Newly appointed Hughes County sheriff Patrick Callahan’s wife, Karen, pins the sheriff’s badge on him, immediately following his oath of office administered by Presiding 6th Circuit Judge Christina Klinger.
Commission chair Randy Vance (left) and Commissioner Bill Abernathy (right) watch. Abernathy was the Pierre Police Chief who hired Callahan and saw him be sworn-in in 1990.
Photo credit to Brian Hines, retired PPD Lieutenant.
Comments