Craven sheriff takes reins of state association -New Bern (NC) Sun-Journal

By Francine Sawyer

Craven County Sheriff Jerry Monette took the reins Tuesday as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association.

The oath of association president is similar to the oath of office sheriffs across the state take when they are sworn into office.

Monette said before being sworn in by senior resident Craven County Superior Court Judge Ben Alford that he looked forward to making an agenda with committee members of the association to take to the General Assembly.

"Mental health reform is needed," Monette said. "Transporting mental patients, often half-way across the state to a mental facility takes patrol officers off the road and out of the county."

He said he was fortunate to have funding for transport personnel to take the patients to statewide hospitals.

He said not all counties are that fortunate and he hopes to see the system streamlined.

Monette, a Democrat, has been sheriff for 14 years and has 22 years in law enforcement.

He said he has been a member of the association for 14 years.

"It's going to be a big year and I look forward to serving, There is much to do," he said.

"I am really excited about being selected as president. But I did not get here by myself. Folks who elected me, my family and staff are the major source of help. No one does it by themselves"

The association heard from guest speakers and held training sessions during the three-day event in New Bern.

The meeting ends today at 10 a.m.