Darrell Simmons took the oath of office Monday night as the new mayor of Smithfield. He was joined by new city councilwoman Barbara Scholes Kent and by returning councilwoman Kris Monson. “This is about the only time I get to tell the mayor what to do,” joked City Recorder Dean Clegg as he instructed the trio to raise their arm and repeat the oath of office as he read it to them. Family, friends, citizens and city employees watched as the three finished their oath and became officers of the City of Smithfield.

Mayor Simmons then asked departing mayor, Chad Downs, to please stand. “We are extremely appreciative of your service,” said Simmons who talked about the great leadership the city had under Downs. “Thank you so much.”

“It was an honor to serve for the past four years,” said Downs.

Simmons thanked his family and friends for their support and praised the city of Smithfield as a great community. These feelings were echoed by Monson and Kent.

Police Chief Johnny McCoy presented Simmons with an official police badge for the city. Downs stood and said that as Mayor and by state law, Simmons is now the official in charge of the police and fire departments. It was a job that Downs said he took very seriously and Simmons will too.

“But don’t start wearing it and trying to pull people over,” joked Downs.

Afterwards, everyone came forward to shake hands and congratulate the new city officials.