Chuck Atkins was sworn in as Clark County sheriff in a standing-room-only ceremony Monday afternoon at the Public Service Center. Atkins’ family alone took up three rows of chairs, while county officials and law enforcement crowded into the back of the sixth floor hearing room.
“I think this is largest swearing-in in the history of Clark County,” said District Court Judge Darvin Zimmerman.
Atkins twiddled his thumbs while sitting in the front, waiting to be called forward and sworn in. It was only 10 seconds of nervousness, he said, adding that the large turnout was humbling and gratifying.
“It highlights the importance of what we’re getting ready to do,” he said. He’s the first new sheriff in 24 years, succeeding retiring Sheriff Garry Lucas, whose last day will be Dec. 31.
Atkins, 60, is a former Clark County sheriff’s administrator who came out of retirement to seek the elected office.
Zimmerman asked Atkins to swear under oath that he will “truly, faithfully, diligently and impartially” perform the duties of the county sheriff, and uphold the law.
That done, it was time to pin the seven-pointed sheriff’s star to the lapel of Atkins’ crisp gray suit.
“Now how many people does it really take to put on a badge?” Atkins said jokingly as his mother, Vivian Atkins, and wife, Lorna Atkins, worked to do the honors.
The new sheriff then pledged to the crowd that he’ll do the job the best that he can.
“Will I make mistakes? Yeah. Will I fix them? Yeah,” Atkins said. His new duties, he said, are the culmination of his work and all the badges he’s worn through a long career in law enforcement.
“This is awesome, to be honest with you,” he said. “Now the real work begins.”
As sheriff, Atkins will soon usher in new leadership at the sheriff’s office. Sheriff’s Cmdr. Mike Cooke will serve as undersheriff, Cmdr. Steve Shea becomes chief civil deputy and Vancouver police Lt. John Chapman becomes chief criminal deputy. Cooke and Chapman succeed Undersheriff Joe Dunegan and Chief Criminal Deputy Mike Evans, who like Lucas are retiring at the end of this year. Lucas’ chief civil deputy, Erin Nolan, will be reassigned.
Atkins’ first official day back comes next week.
“I want him to get to work,” Lorna Atkins said. “He’s tired of all the fanfare.”
