Ron Hickman, Harris County Precinct 4 constable since 2000, was appointed to interim sheriff by Commissioners Court May 12 after former Sheriff Adrian Garcia announced his resignation to run for mayor of Houston in November.

Mark Seegers, communications director for Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle, said Garcia sent a letter to Commissioners Court announcing his resignation May 6. However, he continued to hold the position until the Commissioners Court announced the appointment of Hickman at the meeting May 12. All commissioners unanimously supported Hickman’s appointment.

Hickman will continue to serve as interim sheriff for the remainder of Garcia’s term, which runs through the end of 2016, Seegers said. An election will be held in November 2016 to name the next sheriff.

“I voted for Ron Hickman with confidence and look forward to his leadership his more than 40 years of experience will bring to a department ready for positive change,” Cagle said.

Seegers said Hickman’s first in command, Chief Administrative Officer Jim Sumner, will perform the duties of Precinct 4 constable until Commissioners Court names a replacement. He said more weight in selecting the new constable is usually given to the commissioner whose precinct the constable’s precinct lies within.

Recognizing Hickman would likely be appointed as interim sheriff, Cagle began researching and interviewing candidates last week, Seegers said. Cagle has requested Commissioners Court hold a special meeting as soon as possible to announce a new constable for his precinct, which could take place May 19, he said.

“Commissioner [Cagle] wanted to call a special meeting as soon as possible to act in the best interest of public safety,” Seegers said.