VIDEO: Half Moon Bay Police Sworn In As Sheriff's Deputies

In front of a standing-room only crowd of family, friends, Half Moon Bay community members and the City Council, Half Moon Bay police officers, Community Service Officer Craig Reimche and police records staff Cheryl Martin and Elizabeth Martinez Yano were sworn in this morning by Sheriff Greg Munks at the old Redwood City Courthouse.

Munks introduced the City Council, former Interim Police Chief Lee Violett, Half Moon Bay City Manager Laura Snideman and Half Moon Bay police veteran Guy Reimche to the crowd prior to administering the oath of the Sheriff's Office. Munks also introduced key staff at the Sheriff's Office who worked with the city to finalize the contract between the city and the county.

Keeping with the Sheriff's tradition, family and friends pinned Sheriff's Office badges on to the uniform of their loved one. Mayor Naomi Patridge did the honors for Records Supervisor Cheryl Martin.

After the pinning, Sheriff's deputies, City Councilmembers and community members shook hands with each former Half Moon Bay department member and conveyed their congratulations.

"We made the best  move for Half Moon Bay, we had no choice," said Bev Cunha Ashcraft after the ceremony. Ashcraft came with Mel Mello Jr. to support the officers.

"Being friends with [Officer] John Sanchez, I've gotten more involved with the police department and their community," said Mello.

Mello said he was impressed by the way the Sheriff's Office handled the Holy Ghost Festival parade on Sunday -- the department's first big event.

"They [the Sheriff's Office] were out in front," Mello said. "After meeting the lieutenant and officers, it seemed natural for them to be there."

"I think things will work out," Ashcraft said.

Come back soon to Half Moon Bay Patch for exclusive video coverage and interviews at the Sheriff's Department swearing-in ceremony.