There’s a new sheriff in town. John Garcia has officially been sworn in as the 54th sheriff of Erie County.

He won over 46% of the votes in the race to replace Timothy Howard, who stepped down to run for Town of Wales supervisor.

Garcia campaigned on building public trust through improvements in correctional facilities and by addressing gun violence and the opioid epidemic.

​Photo: Spectrum News 1​

He brings more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement to the role.

Garcia will start his new duties on Jan. 1.