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A large crowd was on hand Sunday afternoon at Lily Baptist Church in Letohatchee as Christopher West was sworn in as the new Lowndes County Sheriff.

West was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey after the Nov. 23, 2019, shooting death of Sheriff John “Big John” Williams.  Lowndes County Probate Judge LaShandra Myrick gave the oath of office to West as his wife, Kimberly, held the Bible.

Lowndes County Commission Chairman Carnell McAlpine opened the ceremony with a welcome on behalf of the county. Thomas Ellis of the Lowndes County Economic Development Commission also spoke about West and his long-time commitment to Lowndes County. Deacon Arthur Jackson offered an opening prayer and the Rev. Fletcher Fountain of Lily Baptist Church prayed for West and all of the deputies of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office after West took the oath.

The Rev. Anthony Thames offered a prayer for the county, state and nation before West made remarks thanking all of those in the audience for their support and promising to serve the citizens of the Lowndes County to the best of his abilities.

For more on the story, see Thursday’s edition of The Lowndes Signal or visit www.lowndessignal.com