Mark Garton sworn in as 37th Polk County Sheriff

Sgt. Mark Garton was sworn in as the 37th Polk County Sheriff Monday morning.

Garton was sworn in by Circuit Judge Sally L. Avera. Garton said the audience was full with approximately 50 people.

A Dallas native, Garton's family was present as well. His wife and two children attended the ceremony, in addition to his parents.

"I was born and raised here," Garton said. "I never left and I don't plan to."

Garton was appointed to serve as Sheriff for the next 13 months, after which he hopes to be elected to continue a four-year term.

Garton is replacing Sheriff Bob Wolfe, who held the second-longest running term as Polk County Sheriff, according to Garton. He said he worked for Wolfe since 1999.

At the ceremony, Garton made a few brief remarks about wanting to continue what was built by Wolfe and build on it further.

He said the first thing he needs to do as Sheriff is swear in all sworn-in employees so they can continue their work.

npate@StatesmanJournal.com, (503) 399-6745, or follow on Twitter @Nataliempate