Knox County has a new top lawman after the sudden loss of its elected sheriff. County commissioners on Tuesday appointed Chief Deputy Ryan Thrash as sheriff, elevating an internal candidate to lead the department after Sheriff Christopher Mendoza's recent death. Thrash will serve the remainder of Mendoza's unexpired term and take over day-to-day command of the small sheriff's office in Benjamin.
The commissioners court voted in a special session to name Thrash to the post, according to TexomaHomepage. The outlet reported that Thrash pledged in a written statement to honor Mendoza's legacy, saying that while no one can ever replace the late sheriff, he would lead the office with honesty, integrity and accountability.
Inside Pick From the Sheriff’s Office
The county's official website lists Thrash as the sheriff's chief deputy, a senior role inside the Benjamin-based office, according to Knox County's site. A public personnel profile on PoliceConduct.org shows Thrash's recent service history at other North Texas agencies, a record that helps explain why commissioners turned to an in-house successor instead of looking outside the department.
How the Appointment Works
Under state practice and guidance from the Attorney General, a commissioners court has authority to fill a vacancy in a sheriff's office, and an appointee is generally entitled to serve until a successor has duly qualified. That legal framework means Thrash can hold the post through the remainder of Mendoza's term unless and until a successor is elected and sworn in, according to the Texas Attorney General.
What Comes Next
Day to day, residents are not expected to see major changes. The sheriff's office will continue patrols, jail operations and other routine duties while Thrash assumes command. Local coverage says officials will handle the formal paperwork and post official records through county channels in the coming days, according to TexomaHomepage.
Commissioners did not lay out a detailed transition timeline at the time of the vote, and county officials say they will publish minutes and any additional statements through official channels. Residents with questions about local law enforcement are directed to contact the Knox County Sheriff's Office via the county's official website.
