Alex Villanueva was sworn in Monday as Los Angeles County’s 33rd  sheriff after becoming the first person in 104 years to unseat an incumbent sheriff in Los Angeles, according to officials.

“We were the underdogs in a campaign that was discounted by the establishment,” said Villanueva. “What we did not have in money or influence, we made up with a few brave souls who believed in what this campaign was all about.”

During the Oath of Office ceremony at the East Los Angeles College Grand Auditorium, Sheriff Villanueva, 55, thanked his supporters and shared his vision and plans to reform, rebuild and restore the Sheriff’s Department.

“On my watch, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will build a culture of inclusion and compassion that prioritizes public safety and public service,” said Villanueva. “Today we send a message to all Angelenos: this office belongs to you, this department belongs to you.”

Joined by thousands of LA County Sheriff’s Department deputies, staff, elected officials and community leaders, Villanueva’s swearing-in has been recognized as a “historic event,” including by the new sheriff himself.

“This is a rare moment in history where we not only had the opportunity, but the courage and responsibility to challenge an existing power to ensure that no matter where you’re from, where you live, how you pray, the color of your skin, your Sheriff’s Department will work to protect you and keep you safe,” said Villanueva.

During the ceremony, Villanueva also shared the spotlight by recognizing members of his command staff, including Assistant Sheriffs Tim Murakami and Maria Gutierrez.

Related: Jim McDonnell Concedes To Alex Villanueva For LA County Sheriff

“It is a privilege to serve you, and I only ask that you serve your community with dignity and pride. Treat everyone with respect,” said Villanueva. “The success of your career will be determined by how well you serve the community, not the political powers to be. Those days are over.”

The new sheriff plans to work with the 88 cities in the county to find long term solutions to issues such as homelessness and immigration.

“We are here to make sure we bare witness to a great change,” added Villanueva.

The new LA County sheriff has been a member of the department for more than 30 years, beginning his career as a jail guard.

As of today, he will be in charge of the largest Sheriff’s Department in the nation, with nearly 10,000 deputies and 8,500 civilian personnel.

“I remain dedicated to working with the sheriff to ensure our communities are safe,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Santa Clarita as part of the Fifth District.

Villanueva ended his first speech as the official LA County sheriff with a message that garnered a standing ovation from the audience.

He concluded, “Yes, the rumors are true — there’s a new sheriff in town.”

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