Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Warren County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Maureen Skerda swears in Thomas Kibbey and K-9 Dina as Chief Warren County Detective as Warren County District Attorney Rob Greene looks on. The detective position works for the office of the District Attorney.

Warren County has a new chief county detective.

Better make that plural: detectives.

Thomas Kibbey was sworn in to the post by President Judge Maureen Skerda on Thursday afternoon at the Warren County Courthouse.

At his side? K9 Dina.

“I’m honored and humbled to be appointed to the position of chief county detective,” Kibbey said. “I’m eager to get started and look forward to the challenges that come with the position.”

Skerda called Kibbey a “true public servant” and said his commitment to public service has made the county stronger. She added she’s excited for the opportunity to see him serve in this capacity.

And Skerda made sure not to leave K9 Dina out, bringing dog treats into the Main Courtroom for her.

In addition to his work as a K9 officer, Kibbey was most recently serving as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Kibbey was sworn in in front of friends and family as well as representatives from all the law enforcement agencies that comprise the Warren County Drug Task force, which Kibbey will lead in this role.

“The District Attorney’s office has built a strong working relationship with our local police departments which I hope to continue,” Kibbey said.

Greene pointed out that law enforcement attending on Thursday shows the “unity and support” that Kibbey will have in this role.

Greene went before the county’s salary board on Wednesday to ask that the position be changed from part time to full time. He said that the position has previously been manned by law enforcement officers in a part-time capacity toward the end of their careers where benefits may not be a necessity.

“The most qualified candidate is Dina the K9 dog,” Greene joked. “Fortunately, (a) handler comes with her that fits all” the qualifications.

He outlined just what the chief county detective is responsible for — most notably coordinating the drug task force but also serving as a liaison between and with the DA’s office and the county’s law enforcement agencies, helping with trial preparation, handling the evidence room and charging crimes committed at the courthouse, among others.

“I hope to get the community involved by re-establishing a tip line for citizens to report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, creating a social media presence to keep the community informed of ongoing issues,” Kibbey added, “and continue our relationship with local schools and businesses by conducting the office’s long-running drug recognition presentations.”

Kibbey thanked Greene and Sheriff Brian Zeybel “for allowing me this opportunity and assisting with the transition.

He also thanked the county commissioners for “their support” and “allowing me to continue the K9 program which maintains a strong presence and is a valuable asset in fighting the sale of illegal drugs in the county.”

“I think this is a no-brainer,” Greene said of bringing Kibbey and K9 Dina on board in this role. “It’s such an asset to Warren County and my office.”