It’s official, McMahon takes oath

There’s a new sheriff in town. Ed McMahon took the oath of office Wednesday morning to replace Sid Causey as New Hanover County Sheriff.

With this morning’s oath, McMahon left behind the mantle of chief deputy and said finally taking office is a relief. “I’ve been looking forward to it; excited about it, but I’m glad that the ceremony is over. Now we can get down to business.”

McMahon said changes are ahead for the department.

While he wants to wait until next week to discuss changes in his command staff, he is already talking about plans for a Sheriff’s Citizens Academy. “That will be 10-week-long, one-night-a-week, and telling the citizens all about the Sheriff’s Office, what we do and just part of my accountability to you,” he explained.

McMahon said he’ll release more specifics on that program in the coming weeks, as well as his goals for expanding the crime prevention unit and working with youth in the community.

He said his office and Wilmington Police have applied for a grant to expand the gang unit.

He’s also working with other law enforcement agencies in the area. Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram said he’s looking forward to working with his new colleague. “I know that we’ll be able to work well together, and hopefully pool resources together to be more effective in our respective counties.”

McMahon said the change in jobs is still sinking in. His first day with the new title included moving into his new office and ‘business as usual’ as he said.