Lawrence County swears in new and re-elected officials, including sheriff and district attorney

Lawrence County officials and invited dignitaries gathered for a swearing-in ceremony that installed a new sheriff and renewed several county officers.

Vincent Martwinski was sworn in as Lawrence County sheriff, repeating the oath to “support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this commonwealth” and vowing to “discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.” The ceremony introduction noted Martwinski’s 25 years of law enforcement experience, including work at the Sharon Police Department and Shenango Township Police Department, and about 13 years serving alongside the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office in roles that included narcotics and major-crimes work.

Tammy Crawford was sworn in as Lawrence County Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds. Following the oath, Crawford thanked her husband, Jack, her sons Cody and Brady Cromsworth, her staff and the legal community, and she thanked voters “for allowing me to serve for another 4 years.”

Joshua Daley Macusa was sworn in as Lawrence County district attorney. The introducing remarks credited him with securing grants and developing specialized units in the district attorney’s office, including sexual-assault and domestic-violence work and a drug task force. In his remarks, Macusa thanked ‘‘the men and women that I work with on a daily basis’’ and said the office’s administrative staff, prosecutors, co-responders, victim-witness advocates, special projects liaison, drug task force and criminal investigation division ‘‘have turned the vision into the reality for Lawrence County.’’

Magisterial District Judge Richard Russo and Magisterial District Judge Melissa Amodi were each sworn in for their terms. Russo’s introduction noted prior military service, work as a Newcastle police officer and long service with the New Cheyenne Township Volunteer Fire Department; Russo pledged to serve ‘‘with honor.’’ Amodi (referred to during the proceedings as Alyssa Amode in the oath sequence) was introduced as a long-serving magisterial district judge who handles a heavy docket in the city of Newcastle and thanked colleagues and family.

The host thanked all officials and noted an additional swearing-in scheduled for 11:00 a.m.; the ceremony recessed to allow completion of remaining oaths. No formal votes, motions or policy actions were taken during the event.

The ceremony included multiple brief acceptance remarks and expressions of gratitude; several presenters and guests were named among the dignitaries in attendance.