MAYVILLE, N.Y. -- Patrick Swanson spent Monday as his first official day as Chautauqua County's Acting District Attorney, taking over for David Foley, who was elected county court judge in November.
"It's humbling to be sitting in this chair. As I sit in this chair, I can't help feel a sense of reward for the hard work I've put in," said Swanson.
Swanson served as an assistant DAfor four years, primarily in northern Chautauqua County.
In addition to his work, he'll now oversee the case load of the entire office.
"We want to serve justice in the best way we can. It's a big job and in the last three weeks, as I prepared for this position, I realized that it's going to require all of me. I've spoken with my family, they're excited," said Swanson.
"At 53 years old, I look at life just a little bit differently. I know what that job entails, it's a tremendous job," said First Assistant District Attorney John Zuroski.
Zuroski has worked in the office for almost 15 years and was originally tapped to take over, yet Zuroski says he recently re-evaluated the offer, changed his mind and asked to remain in his current position.
"I feel I made a sound decision, and one that I'm comfortable with. We all have to make our own decision about what's really good for us, and what we're best at, and what we want to do," said Zuroski.
Zuroski's last-minute decision came as a surprise to many, including Swanson, who says he's ready for the challenge.
"There's a great sense of responsibility that I want to be able to fulfill and you've got to kind of let the surprise go so you can do the job," said Swanson.
Swanson will remain acting D.A. until a permanent replacement is elected this November.
There's no official word yet if he plans to run.