Rick Lang, Stephens County Sheriff, aims to protect Stephens County

Rick Lang has officially been sworn in as Stephens County Sheriff, taking the place of the beloved Wayne McKinney who was honored with a retirement party last week.

Voters in Stephens County elected Lang who has over 30 years of law enforcement experience behind him.

Lang was sworn in at the Stephens County Courthouse by Judge Brent Russell this week.

Lang, formerly the undersheriff for Stephens County, was a graduate of the 206th FBI National Academy, CLEET certified firearms instructor, a former Team Leader and Commander of the Duncan Special Response Team, a recipient of the Law Enforcement Purple Heart, and is a lifelong resident of Stephens County.

Prior to McKinney’s retirement, he took to social media to praise Lang during Lang’s June campaign:

“Upon my retirement, there is only one candidate that can successfully fulfill the job of Stephens County Sheriff and that person is Undersheriff Rick Lang,” said McKinney.

“He has more operational law enforcement experience in all sections of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office than his opponent. Rick has excelled as a leader in every section that he has overseen at SCSO since becoming my Undersheriff.”

“I have personally worked with Rick on numerous complex criminal cases and his work ethic and integrity are impeccable. Rick is the ONLY candidate that can successfully operate the jail section. Rick is the ONLY candidate that can successfully manage SCSO staffing needs along with a complex budget process.”

He continued:

“The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has one of the best law enforcement reputations in the state. This was all achieved through great leadership within the Sheriff’s office. Undersheriff Rick Lang is the most energetic, innovative, street-smart, and overall superior candidate to be our next Sheriff.”

District Attorney Jason Hicks also sang Lang’s praises:

“Rick Lang is a man of integrity and will make an outstanding Sheriff for Stephens County. I have known Rick for well over 20 years and in those years have had the opportunity to observe his work and dedication to the people of our community. During those years, I watched Rick work in many positions in law enforcement and can say without question, Rick’s work ethic and honesty are second to none,” said Hicks.

“I had the opportunity to employ Rick in the District Attorney’s Office. During the time spent working with my team, Rick served as a probation supervisor and as an investigator with the District 6 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. While employed in my office, Rick showed the compassion necessary to help those who needed help and the tenacity to ensure that every case he investigated had the evidence required to obtain a conviction.”

“I have also watched Rick work with other agencies and observed his ability to work well with all involved and always showed the dedication to public safety expected of our law enforcement community. Relationships with other agencies is of the utmost importance and Rick demonstrated to all that he was there to work with everyone to ensure the safety of our community.”

Hicks concluded:

“Rick Lang also served as an Assistant Chief of Police for the Duncan Police Department and displayed the professionalism expected of one in that role. Now, as the Undersheriff for the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, his professionalism once again is on display. Rick’s temperament and intellect have served him well in his role as an Assistant Chief and now as the Undersheriff, and I fully expect to see those qualities shine in the future as our Sheriff.”