Major Tharp sworn in as sheriff

By La Prensa Staff

Jan. 7, 2013: Major John Tharp was sworn in by Common Pleas Judge Dean Mandros as the new sheriff of Lucas County, Ohio today, witnessed by a full house in Court Room 5 of the Lucas County Common Pleas Courthouse.  Common Pleas Judge James Bates was the presiding judge.

In attendance were members of the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA), Toledo Chapte. Sheriff Tharp lauded the NLPOA for its increased visibility in recent years. Many of the group’s members volunteered as off-duty deputies to provide security at last summer’s MidWest LatinoFest, just one example of their dedication.

“Their volunteerism in the community—they’re always doing something for others,” Tharp said. “I think it’s a good organization.”

Tharp estimated there are nearly 20 Latino deputies and corrections officers within the ranks of the sheriff’s office. He believes their visible presence only can help the fragile trust factor between Latinos and law enforcement going forward.

“I think it’s so very important for the Latino community that they see the officers coming into law enforcement when there are conversations going on about the undocumented, as well as other conversations,” he said. “I think it’s very important that the Latino community see their own family members have become law enforcement officers.”

Tharp is seeking to increase that bond with the Latino community.

After 28 years with the county, Sheriff James Telb retired at year’s end to spend more time with his family, including his six grandchildren.

“He certainly put a lot of things in motion (over that time). I’m not looking to make major changes, just tighten up a few things, maybe add a few things,” Tharp said. “We’ll continue on with a few things that he had either talked about or started, make them better and move on like that.”

Correspondent Kevin Milliken contributed to this report.

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Revised: 01/08/13 20:33:48 -0800.