New Hanover County Sheriff sworn into office

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Today marks the first day of Ed McMahon’s second full term as New Hanover County’s Sheriff.

McMahon was sworn into office this morning, along with 475 deputies and detention officers.

After each sheriff is elected, or in this case re-elected, the entire force is sworn in again. This is because they lose their arresting powers once the sheriff takes his oath.

Following the ceremony at the Schwartz Center, McMahon said the integrity of his office is paramount.

“I have to be the one to lead. I have to be the example, but we have to hold ourselves accountable,” he said. “I reminded them this is a huge responsibility that we are volunteering to do.”

While the majority of deputies and detention officers were sworn in, the Sheriff’s Office had help from Highway Patrol, and officers from the Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach police departments to patrol the county. Deputies from the Brunswick County’s Sheriff Office also assisted at the Detention Facility.

A second ceremony was held later in the day to swear in other deputies who were working and could not attend.