Angelina County commissioners appoint Constable Tom Selman as new sheriff

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - Angelina County commissioners have appointed Constable Tom Selman as the new sheriff.

After he was appointed, Selman addressed the court and joked about his age.

“I might be the oldest to ever take this job,” he said. “But my age and experience bring a lot to the table. I look forward to working with many here and I’ll answer your phone calls and be there whenever you need me.”

Selman, who is 65, replaces Greg Sanches, who resigned last month.

“Today is probably one of the most sobering days of my life because there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with this position,” Selman said.

Selman will finish up Sanches’ last two years and formally announced his plans to run for the sheriff’s office next term.

Selman was one of three candidates who applied for the position. County Judge Keith Wright said it was a difficult selection process but it all came down to one thing.

“What really stood out to us was his management experience in the private sector. I think that’s a benefit to that position operating the sheriff’s department,” said Wright.

Selman said one of the most important aspects of becoming sheriff right now is handling the overcrowded county jail.

“Our current county jail is at or near capacity, but the commissioners court has committed to expand the county jail and so that project will be one that I will help oversee and be involved in,” Selman said.

Selman also said with his 28 years in law enforcement, he hopes to take the department to new heights.

“I feel like with my style of leadership and the vision that I have for what the sheriff’s office is to do for the citizens of our county will help to move the department forward and into the future.

Before Selman can officially act in his new role, he is required to obtain a public official bond at $25,000 dollars and await a date to be sworn in.

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