In his first week in office, Mathews County’s new sheriff has announced some changes in his top personnel.

Maj. John T. Williams, a Mathews County native, has joined the office as Sheriff Mark Barrick’s new chief deputy. Williams brings with him over 25 years of law enforcement experience, Barrick said.

A retired detective with the Newport News Police Department, Williams "has an extensive background in uniform patrol, and in the investigations of burglary, armed robbery and homicide," Barrick said.

"Training and guidance are essential to the proper investigation of a variety of crimes and presenting such cases for prosecution," the sheriff said. "There will be two full-time investigators in the sheriff’s office, which will be enhanced by the experience I have to offer and (that of) the new chief deputy."

Sid Foster, who served as chief deputy under Barrick’s predecessor and most recently was acting sheriff after Danny How...