By Miles Layton

PLYMOUTH — Arlo Norman was unanimously approved Monday night by the Washington County Board of Commissioners to be appointed sheriff, then sworn in during an emotional ceremony held before a packed courtroom inside the Washington County Courthouse.

The appointment fills the unexpired term of Sheriff John Barnes and follows a formal recommendation from the Washington County Democratic Party Executive Committee, which voted unanimously in late December to support Norman for the position. Commissioners voted without opposition after confirming that Norman met all constitutional and statutory qualifications to serve as sheriff.

After a distinguished 45-year career in state and local law enforcement, Barnes announced his retirement in December, effective Jan. 1. Re-elected in 2022, Barnes had about a year left in his final term as sheriff.

Following the vote, Norman was sworn in during a ceremony that drew a standing-room-only crowd of deputies, detention officers, telecommunications staff, county officials, former sheriffs, family members, and longtime friends. Many in attendance had worked alongside Norman during his more than two decades with the sheriff’s office.

A video of Norman’s swearing-in and speech, along with a gallery of photos, appears in this story. More county commission news will appear in a future story.

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After taking the oath of office, Norman addressed the crowd, visibly moved as he reflected on his career and the relationships that shaped it.

“I do want to thank everybody for coming out,” Norman said. “I can almost look at each individual person here and think of all the different times that we’ve talked, the phone calls. I loved every moment of it.”

Norman, who most recently served as chief deputy, emphasized the values he said have guided him throughout his career.

“One of the main things that I always yell and scream up there in that office is family, family, family, teamwork, teamwork, teamwork,” he said. “You can’t do any of these positions by yourself. You sure can’t be the sheriff by yourself.”

Norman told the audience that when he first started his law enforcement career, he never imagined he would one day stand before them as sheriff.

“Twenty-two years ago, a little bit more, I started up here,” he said. “I had no idea that one day this would happen.”

He credited his faith as central to his journey.

“I’m so thankful to God that it did happen,” Norman said. “Without God, none of this would happen. I feel like I’m on the biggest faith walk of my life right now.”

Norman paused several times as he scanned the crowded courtroom, acknowledging the difficulty of naming everyone who had played a role in his career.

“I could probably name everybody here, name certain individuals, but I don’t want to miss somebody and make somebody upset,” he said. “So I’m going to start out by saying, again, I thank all of you guys.”

Norman then recognized the sheriffs who gave him opportunities and shaped his development as a law enforcement officer. He said he learned something from each of them.

“I learned so many different things from each one of those sheriffs,” he said.

Looking back to his earliest days on patrol, Norman shared a story that drew laughter from the crowd.

“When I first started, I was just happy to be there,” he said. “I remember my first patrol car. It was something. I had to take thumb tacks to put the headlights back in, but I was so proud to get that car.”

He said he spent an entire weekend cleaning it and parked it in his front yard.

“I was thankful for it,” Norman said.

Reflecting on the passage of time, he added, “It’s been a long time, even though it seems like yesterday. They always say time flies when you’re having fun, so I cannot believe it’s been 22 years that I’ve been here.”

He expressed hope that his service to the county is far from over.

“I’m hoping I can get 22 more,” Norman said, drawing applause and laughter.

Norman described himself as sentimental and said the moment would stay with him for the rest of his life.

“I’m a real sentimental guy,” he said. “Certain pieces of paper, I don’t throw away if it’s got a certain meaning to it. Something this big, I won’t ever forget.”

As he looked out over the crowd, he promised to remember the faces before him.

“I’m scanning faces, I promise you I won’t forget y’all,” Norman said. “I’ll see you in the grocery store and I’ll tell you things. Thank y’all for coming out. It means so much that y’all are here.”

The recommendation that led to Norman’s appointment was delivered in a formal letter to the county commissioners from Wesley W. Stokes, chair of the Washington County Democratic Party — Barnes was elected as a Democrat, so that party got to make its recommendation.

“On behalf of the Washington County Democratic Party, this letter conveys our firm and unequivocal recommendation that Arlo Norman be appointed to fill the remaining term of Sheriff Johnny Barnes,” the letter stated. “After careful consideration, discussion, and review of the needs of our county and its citizens, the Washington County Democratic Party Executive Committee voted unanimously to support this recommendation.”

The letter cited Norman’s experience and leadership as key factors.

“The Executive Committee believes that Arlo Norman possesses the experience, integrity, and commitment to public safety necessary to lead the Sheriff’s Office effectively through the remainder of this term,” the letter stated. “Continuity of professional law enforcement leadership is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring the Sheriff’s Office continues to operate fairly, efficiently, and transparently.”

The committee asked commissioners to act promptly.

“We respectfully request that the Board give full and favorable consideration to this unanimous recommendation and move to appoint Arlo Norman to complete Sheriff Barnes’s unexpired term at your earliest opportunity,” the letter concluded.

Commissioners did just that, voting unanimously without debate to appoint Norman before administering the oath of office.

As the ceremony concluded and the remaining personnel were sworn in, the atmosphere in the courtroom reflected both celebration and continuity — a department honoring its past while formally entrusting its future to a sheriff who rose through its ranks.

For Norman, the moment marked not just a professional milestone but the culmination of a journey that began more than two decades earlier.

“Thank y’all so much,” he said simply.

Photo gallery: