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Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom administers the oath of office of county health authority to Dr. Darrel G. Pierce. This will be Pierce’s second full term in the role. Staff Photo by Tammy Vinson
| Child Abuse Prevention Month
Dr. Darrel Pierce was sworn in for a second term at Hopkins County’s Local Health Authority (LHA) at Tuesday’s meeting of the Hopkins County Commissioners Court.
Pierce took over the role in 2022 following the retirement of Dr. Ichabod Balkcom, who had served in the role for many years.
The LHA serves as Hopkins County’s chief health officer and signs off on abatement plans for properties within Hopkins County that need cleanup or remediation. It is a completely voluntary position.
“He’s doing an amazing job,” said County Judge Robert Newsom. “He’s all behind the scenes, trying to keep our county clean and proper.”
County Fire Chief/Marshal Andy Endsley agreed. “When COVID went on, he had a lot of authority during that time to help with making orders for our citizens,” he said. “On the back side, [Pierce] also helps us with trash abatements and cleaning around homes out in the county.
We couldn’t do what we do without him, so we greatly appreciate you, Dr. Pierce, for your time and all you do.”
Judge Newsom administered the oath of office.
Pierce grew up in Arlington, Texas and earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical science at Texas A&M University. He then attended the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where he earned his medical degree. After finishing his medical education, he entered the United Sates Air Force, where he completed a residency in Family Medicine at Eglin AFB, FL. After residency, he was stationed at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he helped provide medical support for Vice President Dick Cheney. He served seven years in the Air Force before starting his practice in East Texas.