New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, is Sheriff Keith Brooks’ first day on the job
Walton County Sheriff Keith Brooks takes the Oath of Office, administered by Walton County Probate Court Judge Bruce Wright, Dec. 20, 2024. Photo credit: Sharon Swanepoel.
On Nov. 5, 2024, former Walton County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Keith Brooks was resoundingly elected to succeed retiring Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman. On Dec. 20, Brooks was officially sworn in as the next sheriff of Walton County – and Jan. 1, 2025 is his first official day on the job.
At his swearing in ceremony, Brooks thanked the citizens of Walton County for electing him. He also thanked those attending to see him take the Oath of Office with his wife and two sons at his side. Walton County Probate Court Judge Bruce Wright, fresh off his own swearing in following his re-election, administered the Oath of Office to Brooks.
“This means the world to me,” Brooks said. “Because I believe that, you know, there’s a sheriff before me, and there’ll be a sheriff after me – and the length of time between the two is how I treat people. And that’s what I plan to do for you – the people of Walton County. The Sheriff’s Office is bigger than just one person. It’s about the people of Walton County and I promise you, as your next sheriff, I’m going to work hard for you just as I have done the last 32 years.”
Walton County Probate Court Judge Bruce Wright takes the Oath of Office with his wife, Patty, at his side on Dec. 20, 2024 following he re-election to serve another term. Alcovy Superior Circuit Court Judge Ken Wynne administered the Oath of Office. Photo credit: Sharon Swanepoel
Wright then went ahead to swear in several new and re-elected officials who also were able to be in attendance to take their Oaths of Office on the same day.
Top left: Walton County Clerk of the Court Karen P. David; top right, Walton County Board of Commission Chairman David Thompson; bottom first left, Walton County BOC Commissioner Pete Myers; followed by from left, District 3 Commissioner Timmy Shelnutt and District 6 Commissioner Kirklyn Dixon, are administered the Oath of Office by Walton County Probate Court Judge Bruce Wright on Dec. 20, 2024. Photo credit: Sharon Swanepoel
Walton County Clerk of the Court Karen P. David was next to be sworn in after being re-elected, followed by Walton County Board of Commission Chairman David Thompson who was re-elected to serve a second term as head of the Walton County government. Newly elected Walton County BOC Commissioner Pete Myers, who was elected to replace retiring District 2 Commissioner Mark Banks, also was sworn in as were re-elected District 3 Commissioner Timmy Shelnutt and District 6 Commissioner Kirklyn Dixon.
From left; Newly-elected Walton County Board of Education District 4 member Ned Butler, and re-elected Walton County BOE members Christ Kimbro for District 3 and John Jessup for District 6 take the Oath of Office on Dec. 20, 2024. Photo credit: Sharon Swanepoel
Walton County Board of Education District 4 member Ned Butler, newly-elected to replace retiring long-time BOE member Coleman Landers, also took the Oath of Office for his first term. He was followed by re-elected BOE members Chris Kimbro for District 3 and John Jessup for District 6.
Many proud family members and well as local residents attended the swearing in ceremonies. While not all officials elected in 2024 were able to be present for this particular ceremony, all are expected to be sworn in and ready to take their seats when the new terms begin in 2025.
Click or tap on this link to see all the results of the Nov. 5, 2024 Walton County elections.
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