By BOB GIBBINS
After more than 22 years as a patrol officer in Stilwell and Tahlequah, Clay Mahaney took the helm of the department Monday where he’s spent most of his law enforcement career.
Mahaney was one of six officials receiving the oath of office in a ceremony at City Hall. The other five – City Clerk Deb Corn, Street Commissioner Mike Corn, City Treasurer Lanny Williams, and Councilors Jason Nichols and Jack Spears – were beginning at least a second term in office.
Mahaney defeated incumbent Chief Steve Farmer in an April 7 runoff election to claim’s the city’s top law enforcement position. Special District Judge Sandy Crosslin administered the oath in the absence of City Judge Donn Baker, who was in a trial in Tulsa.
Family members, friends and co-workers of the six officials filled the chairs in the council chambers, and some stood around the wall. Several of the county’s elected officials were also on hand to witness the ceremony.
Mayor Ken Purdy congratulated each of the officials and said he was looking forward to working with them.
A large percentage of the crowd consisted of TPD officers and employees and personnel from other law enforcement agencies, who were on hand to watch Mahaney take his oath. The new chief vowed in his campaign to work with other agencies and make the people of the community his priority.
The other five officials were re-elected without opposition.
