At a special meeting of the Blanco County Commissioners Court on February 28, Chief Deputy Bob Morgan was appointed to complete the unexpired term of former Sheriff Bill Elsbury who passed away unexpectedly on February 20.

The motion to appoint Mr. Morgan to the position of Sheriff was made by County Judge Bill Guthrie and his motion was seconded by James Sultemeier. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Sultemeier praised Officer Morgan for his service to the County and assured those present that he would continue the plans that Sheriff Elsbury had envisioned.

At the conclusion of the meeting, which was attended by a large crowd including the widow, son and daughter of former Sheriff Elsbury, Judge Guthrie administered the oath of office to the new Sheriff. Sheriff Morgan left the courtroom immediately after the swearing in so he could preside at a staff meeting being held at the new Law Enforcement Center.

“Sheriff Morgan grew up in South Texas,” said his long-time partner, Mike Cayse. “He began his law enforcement career in Real County and was a sergeant in the Blanco Police Department for two and half years. He has been with the Blanco County Sheriff’s Department since November of 2000.”

“Prior to his career in law enforcement, Sheriff Morgan served in the U.S. Army,” said Mr. Cayse. “He started out in the Sheriff’s Department as a patrol deputy, was promoted to patrol corporal and later became the Chief Deputy in the Department. He and wife are residents of Blanco along with their two children, Jack and Tina.”

When asked about his own promotion to Chief Deputy, Officer Mike Cayse smiled through his ample mustache and said that he and Sheriff Morgan had been partners in the Department for more than eleven years. “I have worked in Hays County, Bastrop County and I served in the Colorado City Police Department before coming here.” Officer Cayse has 31 years in law enforcement.

“People need to know that our hearts are in Blanco County,” he said with conviction. “If you want to lose your job around here, just neglect to do your duty. We’re not in this for the money. The hours are long and the pay is short,” he said. “I know Sheriff Morgan would want me to say that we are here for our residents. Our doors are always open. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns that people may have.”