There's a new sheriff in town as Feyen, incumbents sworn in to Larimer County offices

Six elected county officials took their oaths of office Tuesday, beginning a new era at the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and continuing Democratic control of the Board of County Commissioners.

Eighth Judicial District Chief Judge Susan Blanco administered the oath of office to Sheriff John Feyen; incumbents John Kefalas, county commissioner; Angela Myers, clerk and recorder; and Bob Overbeck, assessor; as well as newly elected surveyor Tom Donnelly and coroner Stephen Hanks.

Treasurer Irene Josey was sworn in at the beginning of the year as required by state law. Josey and Myers are beginning their final terms in office.

For Feyen, Tuesday's ceremony was a long time coming. He won the Republican primary in June but faced no opposition in the November general election, making him the defacto winner after the primary. He had to wait six months to officially become the 29th sheriff in Larimer County's history.

Feyen paid homage to his longtime boss Sheriff Justin Smith, who was term limited and could not seek reelection, and to his most recent boss, Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda.

Feyen's new job is a coming home, of sorts. He spent nearly 20 years with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office before becoming Fort Collins assistant police chief in 2019.

More:Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith reflects on decadeslong law enforcement career

"To No. 28, I thank you for teaching me this job is for the people and by the people" and the awesome responsibility that comes with this position, he told an audience of the officials' family, friends and coworkers. "I'm the 29th sheriff; if not for you, I wouldn't be up here. So, to No. 28, my thanks."

He also thanked Swoboda for bringing him on to his command staff and teaching him about serving and listening to those who disagree, citing discussions with protesters after the death of George Floyd.

And to the men and women now under his command, he said: "Take a deep breath. Change is coming but it's not the whirlwind you think it will be. You served the people of Larimer County a month ago, last week and yesterday, and you will continue to do that tomorrow, next week and next year."

Commissioner John Kefalas also thanked Smith, his November challenger, for a clean, civil campaign focused on the issues.

"This job is not a simple job, but it's a very rewarding job," Kefalas said. "It's time to reflect where we are in the county, in the community and in Larimer County. We've overcome all sorts of barriers to find ways to work together."

Calling the office a "we" kind of sport, he said county officials and staff work together to provide service and be good financial stewards of public money, natural resources and the community.

The current commissioners and previous commissioners "accomplished good things, meaningful things that make a difference in people's lives," he said.

Acknowledging that elected officials do not always win public trust, Kefalas said moving forward, he'll remain focused on rebuilding trust. "The closer you get to people, the easier it is to have community conversations. It's critical that we focus on rebuilding trust and focusing on the complex problems before us."

Myers and Josey, beginning their final terms, both thanked their families and staff who are the front lines. Josey ran unopposed, and Myers beat Democratic challenger Toni Baker.

Overbeck outran Republican challenger David Eisenbraun, a town planner in Windsor, to win a second term despite being heavily outspent during the campaign. He said he looked forward to serving impartially and faithfully.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Larimer County elected officials John Feyen and others sworn in