'I am humbled by this opportunity:' Earnell Lucas takes office as Milwaukee County sheriff

MILWAUKEE -- Earnell Lucas officially took office on Monday, Jan. 7 after winning the primary election against Acting Sheriff Richard Schmidt. He was sworn in as the 65th sheriff of Milwaukee County  in a private ceremony on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018.

Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas

"I am humbled by this opportunity to be Milwaukee County's next sheriff," Lucas said.

Lucas told reporters he is dedicated to working with all of the members at the sheriff's office, as well as other partners in law enforcement, in government, as well as the residents and businesses in Milwaukee County.

"We're going to do something really big here in Milwaukee County -- that's make Milwaukee County strong and make Milwaukee County safe," Lucas said. "I'm looking forward to getting the job done here."

Sheriff Lucas said he fully understands the job that lays ahead of him and the sheriff's office, but he said he is confident he can get the job done.

Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas

"Most importantly, we are going to re-establish those relationships that for so long have been lacking in our community," Lucas said.

Lucas told reporters he has high expectations for himself and the sheriff's office.

"I'm not going to ask anything of the public, of my members, of the community -- I'm not going to ask anything of anyone that I'm not willing to do myself, so everyone plays a role. Everybody can be a part, and most importantly, everyone's going to be held to the high standard," said Lucas.

Lucas grew up in the housing projects, was raised by his grandmother, was the victim of gun violence, is a two-time cancer survivor and a proud graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools.