Politics & Government
Captain to Run Montco Sheriff's Department During Transition
Capt. Gregory L. Womelsdorf will assume leadership of the department until a new sheriff is appointed.
A Montgomery County Sheriff's Department captain will run the organization as it transitions to new leadership.
Capt. Gregory L. Womelsdorf, who has been with the department for more than 24 years and has led several divisions, will immediately assume the role of acting chief deputy sheriff, the county announced Monday.
Womelsdorf will also serve as acting sheriff after current Sheriff Eileen Behr leaves her post on Friday to become director of police operations at Drexel University.
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Former Chief Deputy Sheriff Alfred Ricci retired Jan. 10, after 48 years in law enforcement.
Under Pennsylvania law, the department's chief deputy sheriff can also assume the role of sheriff.
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“I have always had complete confidence in my leadership staff and I feel that the MCSD is in good hands until the new sheriff arrives,” Behr said in statement.
The Montgomery County GOP last week nominated retired Norristown Police Chief Chief Russell Bono to be the next county sheriff. If Gov. Tom Corbett accepts the nomination, a majority vote of the state Senate will be required for confirmation.
Elections for the county sheriff’s position will not be held again until 2015.
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