Pictured, from left, Kane Dukes, Mindy Dukes, Kyle Dukes and Keaton Dukes.

KOSCIUSKO — Although Kyle Patrick Dukes will not officially take over duties as Kosciusko County sheriff until Jan. 1, 2019, a ceremony was held Tuesday, Dec. 18, to swear in Dukes and other elected officials.

Brad Jackson, who will serve as the 2019 vice president of the Kosciusko Commissioners, started off the event by welcoming those in attendance. Invocation was delivered by Veteran Affairs Officer Rich Maron.  

Dukes’ older son, Keaton, led the Pledge of Allegiance. After certification of election by County Clerk Ann Torpy, Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed performed the administration of oaths. 

“I’d like to have a retired sheriff with me and a current sheriff with me,” Dukes requested. “My dad will be the retired sheriff and (Noble County Sheriff) Doug Harp will be the current sheriff.”

“I’m sorry, I’m very emotional,” said a visibly choked-up Dukes. “If I get through this without crying, it’s going to be a miracle.”

Dukes swore to support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Indiana and to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the sheriff of Kosciusko County.

Other elected officials sworn in at today’s ceremony include: Michael Reed, circuit court judge; Dan Hampton, prosecutor; Michelle Puckett, auditor; Joetta Mitchell, recorder; Susan Engleberth, assessor; Bob Conley, commissioner, southern district; Doug Heinisch, council, district 1; Michael Long, council, district 2; Ernie Wiggins, council, district 3; Jon Garber, council, district 4; Helen Brown, Clay Township trustee; Gary Sponseller, Etna Township trustee; Trillia Gearhart, Franklin Township trustee; Tracy Moyer, Harrison Township trustee; Gwendolyn Ostrom, Jackson Township trustee; Beth Krull, Jefferson Township trustee; Molly Bradford, Lake Township trustee; Stephanie Cloud, Monroe Township trustee; Tyler Huffer, Plain Township trustee; Julia Goon, Prairie Township trustee; Fred Slabaugh, Scott Township trustee; Aime Hoffman, Seward Township trustee; Chris Francis, Tippecanoe Township trustee; Julie Close, Turkey Creek Township trustee; Rebecca Alles, Van Buren Township trustee; Dean Rhoades, Washington Township trustee; Jeanie Stackhouse, Wayne Township trustee.