BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – It was a celebratory occasion Thursday morning as major changes to Raleigh County leadership were made official with the swearing in of both a new sheriff and county clerk.
Former Chief Deputy J.C. Canaday was sworn in as the new Raleigh County Sheriff Thursday morning following a vote from the Raleigh County Commission.
The swearing in ceremony was held at 10:00 AM on the second floor of the Raleigh County Courthouse, with Chief Justice Hutchison in attendance for the proceedings.
The ceremony was attended by friends, family, members of the Raleigh County community, and several Raleigh County law enforcement officers.
Canaday, who has accrued decades of law enforcement experience over the course of his career, will be taking on the remaining term of Scott Van Meter, who successfully ran for election to Raleigh County Clerk in November.
Speaking with LOOTPRESS at the event, Van Meter declared that he decided to seek the position on the recommendation of former County Clerk Danny Moore, and that he was motivated to do so as a means of continuing to work along the residents and officials of Raleigh County.
“My term [as sheriff] was going to be over here in a year or two anyway,” said the newly appointed County Clerk. “I wanted to continue working and I like working with the people [of Raleigh County.] That’s pretty much why I do it.”
As for the new sheriff, Canaday remains focused on the here and now, and hopes to continue working to combat drug issues throughout the area. The Concord alumnus will officially begin his term as sheriff in January.
Additional LOOTPRESS coverage for Raleigh County can be found here.
