HOUSTON -- Adrian Garcia's inauguration as Harris County's new sheriff is one that is symbolic. He is the first Hispanic to serve as the county's top law enforcement officer. 

"The task that's before this sheriff is a bit daunting.  And I can't say enough about how proud I am that he chose to take on this task," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.

A Democrat, Garcia beat a 13-year Republican incumbent by double digits. He's a former police officer and Houston city councilman, who's now charged with reforming a troubled agency. 

"I know that it is the public trust that has been put on my shoulders and in my hands. I will work diligently to protect that trust," said Garcia.

Adrian Garcia's inauguration as Harris County's new sheriff

Garcia inherits a Sheriff's Office that has spent much of the past twelve months under fire.  Some of the stories that have come out of the office include the now infamous e-mail scandal, a federal probe into prisoner deaths and a multi-million-dollar payout for the wrongful arrests of two brothers.

"I will work hard to ensure that the Harris County Sheriff's Office takes its place on the public's pedestal as a respected, twenty-first century, law enforcement agency of this county," said Garcia.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office currently has 2,800 deputies. Garcia hopes to hire more deputies and add SWAT team and helicopter units.