COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. -- Sheriff Jody Greene was sworn into office Monday after winning his seat by 37 votes.

  • Incumbent Lewis Hatcher requested a recount of the election when the original ballot count had him losing by 34 votes.
  • Greene said slain Trooper Kevin Conner was one of the people who convinced him to run for sheriff.
  • One of the first things he wants to work on is getting raises for his deputies.

Incumbent Lewis Hatcher requested a recount of the election when the original ballot count had him losing by 34 votes.

Hundreds of Columbus County citizens and law enforcement joined Greene for his swearing in, but one who couldn't make it was Greene's friend State Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Conner.

Conner died in October after being shot during a routine traffic stop.

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Greene said Conner was one of the people who convinced him to run for sheriff. Conner would tell him, "You got this, son."

Greene thanked his supporters for sticking with him during the election process and said he's ready to get to work. One of the first things he wants to work on is getting raises for his deputies.