The ceremonial courtroom in the Harford County Courthouse was packed Tuesday for the swearing-in of Derek Hopkins, the county’s first new register of wills in 24 years.
Hopkins, 33, of Pylesville, beat out seven other hopefuls in a heated race this year for the seat of Harry L.W. Hopkins, who decided to retire after serving since 1986.
Derek Hopkins, a Republican, ultimately won against another Hopkins, 59-year-old Tom Hopkins, in November’s general election.
As noted in previous articles, none of these Hopkins fellows are closely related.
“It’s been a long haul,” Derek Hopkins said after being sworn in during the 5 p.m. ceremony.
“I thank you, each and every one of you, for your advice and support,” he told the crowd, filled with relatives and friends as well as county officials, including County Executive David Craig, County Councilman Jim McMahan and County Administrative Circuit Judge William Carr.
Harry L.W. Hopkins, also in the audience, said he was ready to bid the position good-bye.
“I have enjoyed being able to service the people,” he said.
He also wished the best of luck to his replacement, whom he endorsed in this year’s election.
“He will have a tough job ahead of him. Sometimes it will get to you, but he will do a good job,” Harry L.W. Hopkins said.
Bob Tibbs, with the Harford County Farm Bureau, shared some of his memories about Derek Hopkins, whom he said he has known since the new register of wills was a teenager.
“The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, and Derek has quite a family here in Harford County,” Tibbs said.
Derek Hopkins said earlier Tuesday he was getting ready to get started in office. His wife, Katrina Hopkins, who also works in the office, will eventually step down after he can find someone to take over for her in a couple of months.
He said with the deputy register of wills, Maria Nordell, also retiring after more than 40 years, the office has been knocked down to four employees.
Nevertheless, “we have been working really hard for the last couple of weeks. After the election, we started working with Harry,” the new register of wills said. “There is not going to be any down time. We are ready to go.”