When Chris Bowman put his hand on a worn, frayed Bible to take the oath of office as Alexander County's newest sheriff, he was touching history.
"That Bible belonged to my granddaddy," Bowman said. "I thought it would be nice if we used that one."
Bowman has worked for Alexander County since he was sworn in as a deputy in 1979. Friday, he became the county's top cop.
Bowman was former Sheriff Hayden Bentley's chief deputy until Bentley retired Sept. 30.
"It makes you feel good to have someone who can step in and just keep going, and we have that in Chris," Bentley said after Bowman was sworn in.
The Alexander County Democratic Executive Committee unanimously chose Bowman to serve the remainder of Bentley's term and the Alexander County Commissioners agreed with the decision Monday.
Bowman's term will expire in December 2010. He said he will run for sheriff in the November 2010 election to keep his position.
Bowman worked as a part-time officer after he became a deputy in 1979.
On Jan. 1, 1982, he became a full-time road deputy. Two years later, he was promoted to patrol sergeant.
In 1986, he was promoted to detective. He became chief detective over investigations in 1990.
In 2002, Bentley was elected sheriff and named Bowman his chief deputy.
"My entire career has been with the Alexander County Sheriff's Office," Bowman said.
Bowman said he first considered becoming sheriff when Bentley was elected.
"I was just waiting on Sheriff Bentley to finish his term to see if he wanted to run again," he said. "I was not going to run against him if he still wanted it."
Although he was diagnosed with colon cancer about two years ago, Bowman said he has been cancer-free since his surgery that year.
"They operated on me and took care of that," he said.
Bowman said he has regular checkups and the cancer has not returned.
"As far as I know, I am in good health," he said.
The sheriffs in the adjoining counties are looking forward to working with Bowman.
Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman said Bowman's extensive experience makes him the right man for the job.
"If you have someone who's been through patrol, and detectives and knows the ins and outs of the job — that's a good situation," he said.
Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Spokesman B.J. Fore said, "Chris Bowman is a very professional law enforcement officer and he has worked in cooperation with us for years, and we look forward to a continued partnership with him."
Bowman began his tenure as sheriff on a welcoming note.
"The sheriff's office door is open to anyone. If you need anything, feel free to come on in," was his first proclamation upon being sworn in.
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