AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Anthony Hipolito was sworn in Tuesday afternoon as the Hays County Sheriff in San Marcos, according to a news release from HCSO. This is Hays County's 39th sheriff, the release said. Hipolito was elected the sheriff back in November and was previously serving as a deputy with HCSO, the release said. Additionally, he served 23 years with the Austin Police Department before he retired in July 2021. He later joined the sheriff's office that year in September. Hays County passes $440M bond, selects sheriff In November, Hipolito said some of his top priorities as sheriff are teaching fentanyl awareness and providing more public safety at Hays County schools, as well as focusing attention on recruitment and retention efforts within HCSO. “I’m a 26-year law enforcement veteran,” Hipolitio told KXAN. “I’m a Hays County resident who wants to ensure the safety of Hays County.”