Monroe County sheriff-elect assumes duties ahead of schedule

David Hoffman is starting his new job as sheriff a bit earlier than planned.
Monroe County Commissioners appointed Hoffman after Sheriff Gary Tawney resigned.
Hoffman, 40, a Democrat who won the Nov. 4 election over Republican Bill Blades, was supposed to take office with other elected officials Dec. 31.
The early changeover came as no surprise because Tawney and had indicated he planned to retire early.
Tawney, who works at a distribution center in Moberly, was in Monroe County law enforcement for a quarter-century and spent 16 years as sheriff.
Hoffman and is no stranger to the area. The Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm has been with the sheriff’s department for 16 years, and had served as chief deputy since 1994.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be elected to this position,” Hoffman said in an earlier interview. “I understand what the citizens of Monroe County are looking for and what kind of problems they’re facing.”
One of Hoffman’s goals is to get a community watch program going again. With only seven deputies to cover almost 700 square miles, Hoffman said the department needs the public’s help.
“We can’t be everywhere,” he said. “If we can get people involved...then we can take it from there. The more eyes we get in the street, the more we know.”
Hoffman, an Audrain County native, is a graduate of South Shelby High School in Shelbina. He and his wife, Heather, have three daughters.
In addition to law enforcement, Hoffman is a certified rescue diver and is president of the Monroe County Gun Club.
The job pays $39,837 a year now, and will go to $41,000 starting Jan. 1.