Thursday, Jan. 2, marked not only the first workday of 2025 after the New Year’s holiday but also the swearing-in ceremony for Liberty County’s newly elected and reelected officials. The ceremony took place in the 75th State District Courtroom at the Liberty County Courthouse, led by County Judge Jay Knight.
Judge Knight opened the event with an invocation and remarks about the county’s rapid growth and the challenges that come with it.
“Once again we’re gathered here in the biggest courtroom in the state of Texas,” Knight said. “A lot of things have happened here over the years. Once again, we’re all gathered to welcome some new folks and get the 2025 year kicked off as best we can.”
Acknowledging the changes taking place in Liberty County due to population growth and residential and industrial expansion, Knight emphasized the importance of unity.
“We’re going through a lot of growth in the county right now, a lot of changes, things that we’re not used to seeing,” Knight said. “While we may not agree all the time, I promise I will always extend a hand of friendship. That’s what it’s all about.”
He also spoke about fostering better cooperation with cities in the county.
“Working better with the cities is a goal this year because whether they know it or not, we all need each other just as much as they need us,” Knight added.
In his invocation, Knight prayed for guidance and protection, especially for first responders and military personnel.
“Lord, as we move forward into 2025 again, I ask that you watch over all of our first responders, military people, firemen, and law enforcement folks,” he prayed. “This year is going to be trying for everyone, and Lord, without your help, it would be even more so. Thank you again for all your wonderful blessings and for your most wonderful blessing you’ve ever given us—your son Jesus Christ. In his most precious name we pray. Amen.”
First to take the oath of office was District Attorney Jennifer Bergman. She was accompanied by her husband, Pct. 6 Constable Zack Harkness, her mother, Susan Bergman, and two uncles. Bergman highlighted the significance of the family Bible used in the ceremony, which belonged to her grandparents.
“When I was sworn in last time, we used the Rhoden family Bible,” Bergman said. “My granddaddy was the commissioner of Pct. 3. This is my grandmother’s family Bible and she was also the commissioner of Pct. 3. In here, there is a card from when my granddaddy ran for commissioner of Pct. 3, where he asks people to vote for Harold Rhoden. It says ‘qualified, aggressive and honest.’”
Other officials sworn in included:
- Pct. 1 Constable Tammy Bishop
- Pct. 2 Constable John Tucker (the only newly elected official in November 2024)
- Pct. 3 Constable Mark “Maddog” Davison
- Pct. 4 Constable Robby Thornton
- Pct. 5 Constable David Hunter
- Pct. 6 Constable Zack Harkness
- County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Wes Hinch
- Tax Assessor-Collector Richard Brown
Sheriff Bobby Rader, County Attorney Matthew Poston, Pct. 1 Commissioner Bruce Karbowski, and Pct. 3 Commissioner David Whitmire opted to take their oaths either before or after the ceremony.
