Sheriff Don KeelerADDISON, Vt. -
A bittersweet moment in Addison County-- Don Keeler officially replaced Jim Coons as the Addison County Sheriff Tuesday.
For 30 years Jim Coons served in Addison County, making him the longest-serving sheriff in Vermont's history. The 59-year-old lost his battle with cancer in April.
Keeler says Coons was a dear friend and his shoes will be difficult to fill. Keeler himself brings 40 years of experience in law enforcement to the position.
"I'm going to make him proud, he has a fine organization here, as I tell people, I'm just filling in in his absence. I'm just a part of the team," Keeler said.
Keeler says his top priority is to create a sexual assault investigations unit and that he already has the funding.
