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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — There’s a new sheriff in town. William Rutledge, the longtime Chief Deputy under Sheriff David Duke, will now be stepping into the highest role in law enforcement for Wichita County.

Interim Sheriff Rutledge was sworn in by 78th District Court Judge Meredith Kennedy on the morning of Labor Day, Sept. 1, 2025, in the 30th District Courtroom, with family, friends, and dozens of Wichita County deputies all in attendance.

“It was great, had a lot of support from the Sheriff’s Office that showed up, a lot of the command staff showed up,” Interim Sheriff Rutledge said. “My family traveled, my kids traveled, my grandkids were here, great turnout from friends and family… I was honored.”

One person fully behind Rutledge taking the reins is Duke, now retired from the role of Wichita County Sheriff.

“One of the big things people know about Will is, Will, he’s got a big heart, he really does,” Duke said. “You know, he loves our community. His love of law enforcement is just as deep as mine.”

It’s a love that comes from a long history in local law enforcement.

“I started with the Wichita Falls Police Department in 1988,” Interim Sheriff Rutledge said. “So I have over 35 years of law enforcement experience. I’ve been with Wichita County for 16 and a half years.”

During his time with the county, Rutledge has filled a lot of roles, from patrol deputy to investigator, before eventually becoming the Chief Deputy. Now, Rutledge is taking on the highest position in the office.

“This is the highlight of my career,” Rutledge said. “You can’t go much higher than this. Sheriff is the highest you can go.”

Rutledge said he’s thankful for the man who came before him.

“Sheriff Duke laid down a great foundation,” Rutledge said. “I was lucky enough to be a part of that, teamwork to start that foundation, and I’m just going to carry on what he started and just keep rockin’ and rollin’.”

Rutledge said he hopes the citizens of Wichita County feel the same and choose to re-elect him during the midterm elections next November 2026, and for many years to come.

“I plan on finishing out my career as Sheriff,” Rutledge said. “I hope the citizens of Wichita County will vote for me and continue to vote for me until I’m ready to go.”

For now, however, Rutledge said he’s excited for this new role.

“I’m ready,” Rutledge said. “We’re gonna start first thing in the morning. I usually get to work about 7, so we’ll start then and just continue moving forward.”

And according to Duke, his predecessor and long-time friend, Rutledge is indeed the right man for the job.

“One million, thousand, infinity percent,” Duke said. “No doubt. It’s going to great hands, actually, and so, I’m very confident that this county will be very well served with him as Sheriff.”