Sheriff-elect Gregory sworn in this morning.

Tommy was sworn in this morning by Judge Martin Gillette at a 10:00 AM ceremony in the small, Probate Court courtroom. Tommy called me at 2:00 today after noting my absence from the ceremony which he said was well attended. I told him that I would have been there but for the fact I was home keeping an eye on the two guys painting my fence. We talked for about an hour. I have to tell you, Tommy has really done his homework in preparation for taking over. I forget the exact number of dollars he's saved so far in reduced salaries, but it was quite substantial. By the way, some of the fired 27 may well come back as employees with different job title and ranks and significantly lower paychecks. All but the two newest boats will be turned back to the county to sell as surplus. That's about a half a dozen. The CCSO will no longer have two in-house mechanics at a cost of about $126,000 per year - before parts. Vehicle maintenance will be contracted out. Tommy said the cost for vehicle maintenance before BTW created the two mechanic's positions for old mill buddies was under $80,000 - total. Tommy will establish a list of available part-time bailiffs staffed with retired lawmen to be used as needed for heavier courthouse dockets. No benefits or overtime - just straight pay. He will be hiring people to replace the 27 at fair, but significantly lower salaries than what those folks had been earning. There was much more which escapes me, but I'm sure I'll get the opportunity to catalogue it as it unfolds - and I think it will all unfold very quickly. Tommy confirmed that he will indeed be there at 0001 HRS. on the 1st of January to meet and greet the oncoming shift and will also meet and greet all other oncoming shifts until he has met with them all. Oh, and yes, there will be a new CCSO uniform. It will be phased in as individual sets of current uniforms wear out. Tommy will wear a uniform and actually show up for work every day. What a concept!