PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR) — With a short motion from the Hughes County Commission, Patrick Callahan has dropped the vice from his title to officially become sheriff.  Callahan was sworn into the position by Circuit Judge Cristina Klinger.

Callahan and now former Sheriff Darin Johnson essentially have switched job titles as Commissioners appointed Johnson as vice sheriff, the role Callahan held as Johnson trained Callahan to assume the role of Sheriff.  Johnson is retiring at the end of the month.  Callahan had little time to enjoy the swearing in with family and friends, getting right into business.

Callahan is also trying to address court security concerns.

Callahan has previous law enforcement experience as an officer with the Pierre Police Department, ironically hired by then chief Bill Abernathy who made the motion to appoint Callahan as Sheriff as a Hughes County Commissioner.