Adams County officials gathered at the Adams County Courthouse for a New Year swearing-in ceremony this afternoon, marking the start of new terms for local and county leaders elected in the fall municipal election.
The ceremony included the installation of mayors and council members from boroughs across the county, township commissioners, and other county officials. As part of the proceedings, each official recited an oath, pledging to uphold the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions and to faithfully carry out the duties of their offices.
Among those sworn in was Chad-Alan Carr, who officially assumed office as mayor of Gettysburg, succeeding outgoing mayor Rita Frealing. Also sworn in was Jeff Rioux, who began his term as a member of Gettysburg Borough Council. Borough officials said a replacement for the council seat recently vacated by Judith Butterfield is expected to be appointed in January.
Swearing-in ceremonies are a long-standing tradition in Pennsylvania and are typically held in early January at county courthouses or municipal offices. The events mark the formal transition from one term of local government to the next.
