Piper Sworn in as New Forsyth County Sheriff

Duane Piper has officially been sworn in as Forsyth County's newest sheriff.

Using his own Bible, Piper took his oath of office Thursday morning alongside his wife, Cindy, the Forsyth County Probate Court with Judge Lynwood D. (Woody) Jordan Jr. doing the honors.

Afterwards Piper thanked the small group of people who attended the ceremony, including several deputies of the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

"I appreciate you guys being here, everybody that came, it means much to me to see y'all here," he said.

Piper told Cumming Patch that he's looking forward to taking office on Jan. 1, 2013. He also explained one of the first things he will be doing as sheriff.

"The first I'll be doing is watching, it's going to be an evolutionary process, evaluating what we're doing and adjusting, so we can do things more affectively and more efficiently," he said.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, school safety is also on the top of Piper's list.

"I've already spoken with the school board and we'll be taking some immediate action to reassure the public that we're safe guarding the schools," said Piper.

As for the future of those employed with the sheriff's office, Cumming Patch asked if there would be any job cuts.

"We're going in observing, see how everything is going, see how everybody is working," he said. "It will be a period of observation before we make any changes at all."

At the moment, Piper said he has a 30, 90 and 120-day plan.

Piper defeated his former boss,  during a runoff election last summer. During the general election he was challenged by write-in candidate, DT Smith, but easily won in that race.

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