Bill McMahon was sworn in Wednesday as the new Howard County sheriff.
McMahon was sworn in Wednesday at the Howard County Circuit Courthouse in Ellicott City. Gov. Larry Hogan announced his appointment earlier this month.
McMahon served as Howard County chief of police from 2006 to 2014. He is a 30-year resident of the county. McMahon had been serving as acting director of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions and director of the commission's Leadership and Development Institute.
McMahon replaces James Fitzgerald, who resigned in October after an investigation found he created a hostile work environment by belittling staffers and making racist and sexist comments.
