RINCON — Rincon’s new police chief revealed himself to be a man of detail during his swearing-in ceremony in city council chambers Monday night.

Mark Gerbino used a seven-page script while expressing gratitude for those who helped him ascend to his latest position. He has been in law enforcement for 42 years.

“This is a special time in my life,” Gerbino said, “ and I want to thank the council members, the mayor, (city manager) Mr. (John) Klimm) and everybody who was involved with this selection process from my heart.”

Gerbino, who comes to Rincon from the Savannah Technical College Police Department, stressed “honor” and “integrity” in his remarks in a room packed with officers from Rincon and other area agencies.

“They are important qualities and I try to weave them into my daily life, and actions,” he said.

Gerbino, a New York native, thanked everyone who supported him throughout his career, including family members, friends and coworkers. He spent 30 years with the police department in Rochester, N.Y.,  and also worked in Los Angeles, Savannah and Americus.

The new chief directed his final comments to members of the department he will lead.

“There is not going to be any way for you to believe in me other than for us to become a team,” he said. “I want to thank you in advance for the work we are going to do. Don’t look for me to come in and start throwing things into the air. I can’t do anything without you and you can’t do anything without me.

"We are going to learn as a team and that’s going to happen quickly, I’m sure.”

See the Oct. 17 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.