COURTLAND—Newly elected Southampton County Sheriff Jack Stutts has named Gene Drewery his chief deputy.

Also chosen for Stutts’ command staff when he takes over in January were Lts. Josh Wyche and Michael Darden, while Lt. Scott Doyle will continue with the jail division.

Promotions to sergeant announced Friday were for Billy Vance, Robert Vaughan Jr. and Mark Turner.

Salaries have not been set.

“I am still in discussions with the county administrator about salaries for all the positions,” Stutts said.

Stutts on Nov. 8 received 70 percent of the vote to be elected sheriff. A Democrat, the 55-year-old will be the first new sheriff in the county in 28 years.

The current chief deputy, Stutts will replace Vernie Francis, who earlier in the year announced his retirement after seven terms.

Drewery is captain of the patrol division, which is a command staff position. He has 28 years with the sheriff’s office.

“Beyond that, Capt. Drewery has risen through the ranks and demonstrated great potential for this position to me,” Stutts said.

Wyche has 27 years experience with the sheriff’s office and formerly served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Darden has been with the sheriff’s office for 21 years and farmed in the Forks of the River area before getting into law enforcement.

Doyle has been with the agency for 15 years, all in the jail division. Vance has been with the sheriff’s office for 14 years and Vaughan for nearly six years. Turner has been with the office for 12 years and is a detective.

“These officers have the training, experience and leadership skills required of their new positions,” Stutts said.

Other promotions and assignments will occur, but have yet to be finalized.