WHEELING — Democrat Tom Howard will be the new sheriff in Ohio County starting in January.

Howard, a Wheeling police officer who serves as prevention resource officer at Triadelphia Middle School, captured 9,233 votes in defeating Republican John Powell, who received 8,445, according to unofficial election night totals.

“Thank you to everyone in the community,” Howard said. “It’s our community, and we have to bring it back together.”

Howard has been with the Wheeling Police Department for 20 years, where he holds the rank of sergeant. He indicated he wants to continue working with area youth.

“I plan to be a working sheriff,” Howard said. “You’ll see me out in the public. And I will still be involved with the schools. You won’t see me walking away from the schools.”

Howard could have been working as an office manager rather than as a police officer.

Howard is a 1989 graduate of West Liberty State College with a bachelor of science degree specializing in accounting. He realized his true calling in law enforcement after graduating, and attended the West Virginia State Police Academy in 1996. He has been a member of the Wheeling Police Department since 1995.

Howard also has accreditation from Marshall University Criminal Justice Program and the West Virginia Northern Community College Security Liaison.

He will succeed Sheriff Pat Butler, who was term-limited and could not run for re-election this year.