Nathan Jeffers/photo

Pictured (from left) are County Clerk Diana Cromley, County Administrator John Gerlach, Prosecuting Attorney Damon Morgan, Sheriff Michael Roach, Commissioner Miles Epling, Commissioner Bob Baird, and Commissioner Rick Handley.

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POINT PLEASANT — At Thursday’s meeting of the Mason County Commission, three exiting officials were honored for their work and their accomplishments.

Commissioner Bob Baird, Prosecuting Attorney Damon Morgan, and Sheriff Michael Roach were each presented a plaque from the Commission for their service, as well as several well-wishes from each other and other courthouse employees who filled the meeting room.

Commissioner Baird began, recognizing Morgan for his work and saying he had served as prosecuting attorney from 1981-96 and from 2001-2012.

“We do thank you for your years of service,” Commission President Rick Handley said to Morgan.

Handley then recognized Roach, who recalled the day he was told the previous sheriff had resigned. Roach said the commissioners had contacted him about appointing a new sheriff and thought they were simply asking for some advice on who to appoint, but in the end the commissioners wanted him to fill the role.

“Thank you for the opportunity to do that,” Roach said to the commissioners.

Commissioner Miles Epling then recognized Baird and said he would be the most difficult to replace, since Baird serves on so many different committees. Baird then discussed some of those committees that he felt were the most important and said he would like for someone to fill his spot. Baird also received a certificate from Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, acknowledging his many years of service.

“It’s been a privilege to work these 12 years,” Baird said. Baird continued, saying he had enjoyed his time as a commissioner and discussing how the commission always tries to do what is best for the county.

As previously reported, the newly elected officials were recently given their oath of office and will be assuming those positions on Jan. 1, 2013.

Filling Baird’s role as commissioner will be Tracy Sturgeon Doolittle. Filling Roach’s role as sheriff will be Greg Powers. Filling Morgan’s role as prosecuting attorney will be Craig Tatterson. Neither Baird or Morgan sought re-election this past November and Doolittle will be leaving her previous position in the Mason County Tax Office.