EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso County swore in newly elected County sheriff, Oscar Ugarte, into office on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Ugarte was sworn in by Judge Alyssa Garcia Perez of the 210th Judicial District Court at Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, located at 3850 Justice St.
Oscar Ugarte swearing-in ceremony. Photos courtesy of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to Ugarte being sworn in, he was joined by his newly appointed command staff, deputies and detention officers, all of whom took their oaths of office as well.
“My goal is simple but ambitious: to make El Paso the safest community in the country,” Ugarte said. “Together, with my dedicated team of law enforcement officers and the support of the community, we will achieve this. We will do things right and with pride, building a department that sets the bar higher for law enforcement nationwide.”
During the event, Frank Almada, constable-elect for Precinct 1, served as the emcee and a special presentation was held by the Sheriff’s Office Color Guard.
Ugarte succeeds current El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles, who is retiring after serving 16 years.
Ugarte, a Democrat, beat Republican Minerva Torres Shelton in the Nov. 5 general election.
“The trust you’ve placed in me is something I don’t take lightly,” Ugarte said. “I promise to lead with honesty and dedication, and I am excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Read: Read More