<p>Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan shakes hands with Umatilla County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Brauer after Brauer swore in Rowan as the new sheriff Monday at the Stafford Hansell Government Center in Hermiston.</p>

The new sheriff of Umatilla County wants to put more deputies on patrol.

Sheriff Terry Rowan, newly sworn to the office Monday evening, said on Tuesday he would like to request five more deputies for patrol, a cost he estimates at roughly $600,000.

Rowan plans to request the funds from the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners as soon as this month.

The Sheriffs?Office currently has seven deputies; the proposed additions would make an even dozen.

Im going to attempt to add five (deputies), but I think its going to be a tough budget year, Rowan said.

Enhancing his forces was one of the priorities Rowan outlined after the swearing ceremony.

The new sheriff also addressed issues such as the departments approximate $9 million budget and the Umatilla County Jail.

I think the biggest thing is going to be (the) budget, just trying to work within that, Rowan said. To make use of the resources I am provided as best I can.

Rowan said he wants to work with staff at the Umatilla County Jail and make sure they have the tools they need.

I certainly do not want to make any cuts, he said. Well just try to minimize those as best I can and try to move forward with our current staffing levels Id love to enhance it.

Rowan has served as undersheriff since May 2005.

He replaces former sheriff John Trumbo, who chose not to run for re-election.

As he was being sworn in to office, Rowan looked out into a sea of people gathered, many sitting or standing, at Stafford Hansell Government Center who showed up in his support.

Rowan, 48, raised his right hand and took the oath of office from 6th District Circuit Court Judge Christopher Brauer on the steps leading up to the Hermiston Circuit Court.

After taking his oath, Rowan then swore in multiple members of the Umatilla County Sheriffs Office following his ceremony.

What really is hitting home right now is the amount of support just by looking out at the crowd tonight, Rowan said later in the evening.

An estimated 200 guests attended the event, drawing law enforcement from various agencies as well as area residents.

It gives me even more fear I guess you could say because I want to make sure and do whats right by the people that put me here, he said.

After the ceremony, the first floor of Stafford Hansell still bustled with well-wishers and attendees almost an hour after its closing.

Guests included members of Rowans immediate family, including his wife, Tamara, and daughters, Jessica and Megan. But it was a multigenerational family affair with Rowans father, Larry Rowan, 73, also in attendance.

Larry Rowan served as an appointed interim Umatilla County sheriff in 1994.

The pair embraced on the steps after the ceremony. Im just extremely proud, said Larry Rowan. Hes got a good head on his shoulders.