COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Cobb County officially has a new top lawman. James "Dan" Ferrell was sworn in on Tuesday evening as chief of the Cobb County Police Department following a unanimous vote by the Board of Commissioners.

Ferrell has served as interim chief since the spring , after former Chief Stuart VanHoozer retired. He joined the department in 1996 as a patrol officer and has spent 32 years in law enforcement.

James "Dan" Ferrell named Cobb County Police chief

What they're saying:

"He has risen from up the ranks from a patrol officer to a sergeant to a lieutenant to a captain to a major," County Manager Jackie McMorris said.

Ferrell said the department shaped both his life and his leadership style.

"This department is what shaped me into the man I am today. It shaped me into the

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