In his first official act, District Judge MacDonald Russell administered the oath of office to Richard Hornsby, Monday, January 20, on the Butler County courthouse steps. Hornsby replaces Wayne Garlock as Butler County’s coroner.

Hornsby said he plans to be dependable, and to work with expediency and courtesy.

&uot;I want to keep things as fast and courteous as possible,&uot; he said. &uot;I also plan on handling every case as delicately as possible. I believe enough people in Butler County know me well enough to know I’m going to do what I say I’m going to do.&uot;

Hornsby said he hopes to be settled in and have a handle on the job soon.

&uot;I’m going to do the best job I can do as coroner,&uot; he said. &uot;I ask everyone to be a little patient with me for the first few months until I get used to things.&uot;

Hornsby was joined at the ceremony by his grandmother Bonnie Hornsby, whom he called his campaign manager.

&uot;She was wonderful and really worked hard to get me elected,&uot; Hornsby said. &uot;Of course, there were a lot of people who helped me, and I want to thank all of them.&uot;

Hornsby was joined at the ceremony by his grandmother, his wife, Tammy, his daughters, Robin and Alaina, and his aunts Ann Killough and Mary Cumbie. He is the son of Grady Junior Hornsby and Carolyn Hornsby Fuller.