San Bernardino, Ca– On Monday, January 3, 2011, the widow of former Sheriff Frank Bland, CoRene Bland, and long-time Reserve Deputy Bill Betterley, administered the oath of office to Sheriff Rod Hoops in the rotunda of the County Government Center. Sheriff Hoops shared with those in attendance that CoRene Bland had brought with her the flat badge belonging to former Sheriff Frank Bland, and that he – Sheriff Hoops – thought it an honor to be able to hold it. The pledge of allegiance was led by Jack Brown, who is Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros Markets and a long-time member of the Sheriff’s Council. County Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux and members of the Board of Supervisors looked on, together with law enforcement personnel from a number of cities throughout San Bernardino County, as well as the friends, family and co-workers of Sheriff Hoops, a 32 year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department.

Following the oath the Sheriff briefly addressed the crowd, thanking all in attendance for braving the bad weather. Sheriff Hoops thanked the voters for the opportunity to continue to serve as Sheriff. He reiterated his prior statement that he had truly inherited a wonderful Department from Retired Sheriff Gary Penrod.

In closing, Sheriff Hoops stated he is looking forward to the future and is focusing on the positive, and ask that everyone else do the same. Sheriff Hoops praised the men and women of the Department and explained that running the Department is a team effort and he considers it an honor to be leading the agency.

Sheriff Hoops was elected by the people of San Bernardino County in the primary election held in June of 2010. He looks forward to his first elected term as Sheriff, and to continuing to serve the residents of the county.