Swearing in Gilpin County: Sheriff Kevin Armstrong conducted the swearing in of 53 individuals who work with the Sheriff’s Department.[/caption]

In a recent ceremony held on April 10, Gilpin County Sheriff Kevin Armstrong conducted the swearing-in of 53 staff members. Family members of the staff were invited to witness the occasion.

The event, the culmination of a tradition ingrained within law enforcement agencies, marked a significant moment for each individual as they pledged their commitment to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Colorado while faithfully executing their duties within the Sheriff's Office.

Addressing questions regarding the swearing-in process, Armstrong clarified several aspects in order to provide insight into the ceremony and its significance within the Sheriff's Office.

When asked about the number of staff members to be sworn in, Armstrong affirmed that all staff members, both sworn and non-sworn, were included in the ceremony. While the initial ceremony encompassed 53 individuals, accommodations were made for those unable to attend. To date, every staff member has been sworn in.

Regarding the frequency of such ceremonies, Armstrong explained that all staff members had been initially sworn in at the commencement of their term in 2019.

The April 10 ceremony marked the second induction of staff for the Sheriff's second term, reaffirming the commitment of each member to their duties and responsibilities within the office.

Armstrong described the recent gathering as an all-hands meeting aimed not only at administering the oath, but also providing updates on Office accomplishments and outlining future objectives for the Sheriff's Office.

The oath read: “I do solemnly swear, in the presence of the ever-living God, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Colorado and that I will faithfully perform the duties of the office of [your position], to the best of my skill and ability, so help me God.”

Armstrong's poignant message following the oath cited the difficulties inherent in the role of a deputy sheriff. There will be days when the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming, he said, when the desire to seek respite from the stress and strain of the job may seem enticing. Yet, in those moments of doubt, Armstrong urged, deputies should revisit the oath they had sworn.

Responding to inquiries about the legal implications of the oath-taking, Armstrong affirmed its binding nature, stating that each oath was registered with the Clerk and Recorder.

During the ceremony, each staff member signed their oath of office, symbolizing their personal obligation to the Sheriff's Office and the community it serves.

Notably, several new staff members were among those sworn in, reflecting the ongoing growth and recruitment efforts of the Sheriff's Office.

Armstrong further clarified that new employees are sworn in within three days of commencing their careers with the Sheriff's Office. They also receive a copy of the Mission Statement, Core Values, and the Vision Statement.

Taking an oath: More Gilpin Sheriff’s Department staff sworn in on April 10.[/caption]

“This is one of the greatest honors I have as Sheriff – to swear in great staff members and welcome them to the Sheriff's Office family,” said Armstrong.

Gilpin County can rest assured knowing that this tradition of oathtaking and commitment within law enforcement remains strong and unwavering.