There is a new sheriff in Cayuga County. Brian Schenck was sworn in Wednesday, replacing 12-year predecessor David Gould.
"They are going to be some very big shoes to fill. I hear it a lot on the campaign trail," said Schenck.
Former Sheriff David Gould joined the state police in 1970. He was elected sheriff in 2007, retiring last year. During his time, Gould opened two substations in the county, and put 50 new initiatives into action.
Sheriff Schenck says he has big goals of his own.
"It was my belief that we could continue to move this department in a positive direction, and I wanted to be a part of that leadership," said Schenck.
The sheriff says he hopes to tackle what he calls the county's drug problem.
"Work with people who are struggling with addiction. Work with people and help them find a path to recovery and help them fight against drug abuse," said Schenck.
Schenck says he hopes to change how drug addiction is dealt with in and out of jails, ideally leading to fewer repeat offenders.
"Get them off the streets and hold them accountable, but there's so many other ways that we can work with this drug problem in our community," said Schenck.