Any info on new sheriff?

[nycems22]

WILKES-BARRE - John Gilligan took office as Luzerne County sheriff on Thursday, after being sworn in by Judge Patrick Toole.

Wyoming Mayor Bob Boyer introduced Gilligan at the swearing in ceremony. Boyer worked under Gilligan for four years as a Wyoming policeman when Gilligan was police chief.

"He asked me to introduce him," Boyer said. "We have remained close friends."

After retiring as Wyoming police chief in March 2004, Gilligan worked as a security guard for Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

The 60-year-old replaces acting Sheriff Charles J. Guarnieri Jr., who filled in after former Sheriff Michael Savokinas resigned in September. Gilligan will finish Savokinas' term, which runs through 2012, and said he plans to run for full term in 2011. The position pays $35,207 annually. Gov. Ed Rendell nominated Gilligan in February. The state Senate confirmed Gilligan Monday by a 47-0 vote.

mbuffer@citizensvoice.com

[t1m0thy]

If Rendell likes him he can't be good.