Sheriff Darrell Weaver is wasting no time putting his stamp on the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office. On Wednesday, the agency shared photos of Weaver swearing in two key members of his command staff at the sheriff's office in Norman, with Gus Handke taking the oath as undersheriff and Mark Teachman stepping into the role of chief deputy.
Official Post And Photos
According to the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Weaver administered the oaths to Handke and Teachman during a ceremony at the sheriff's office. The post featured several images from the event and a caption that welcomed both men "to the team," signaling that the new sheriff is actively building out his inner circle.
Who Is Gus Handke?
Gus Handke, sometimes listed as Tommy "Gus" Handke, comes in with a lengthy law enforcement background. The Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association has previously listed him in roles that include service as an undersheriff and a stint as Healdton police chief. His LinkedIn notes CLEET certifications and leadership training that are typical for command-level officers.
Mark Teachman Is A County Veteran
On the other side of the new leadership duo, Mark Teachman is not a newcomer to county government. He appears on Cleveland County payroll records as a long-time employee, with public pay data placing him on the 2022 roster. OpenPayrolls lists Teachman among county staff and notes his compensation for that year.
A New Command After A Turbulent Period
Weaver himself was appointed by the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners in late June, then formally sworn in on July 6, part of a leadership transition meant to stabilize the sheriff's office after a stretch of turnover. Cleveland County outlined the appointment process in a public announcement, and reporting by The Oklahoman quoted Weaver saying he plans to assemble a strong team and focus on professional standards as he settles into the job. The latest promotions fit neatly into that game plan.
How To Reach The Sheriff's Office
The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office maintains dedicated media contacts for anyone looking to follow up on the leadership changes or other agency business. The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office media relations page lists Jeremy Walker as director of communications and provides both a phone number and an email address for press inquiries.
