Mark Harrell has been appointed the new sheriff of Autauga County following the death of Joe Sedinger, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday.

Harrell’s appointment takes effect Monday.

“I have made honesty and integrity a priority in my administration, and I know that you will embody these two virtues while serving the people of Alabama,” the governor said in a letter appointing Harrell.

“The responsibility that comes with this appointment is not to be taken lightly,” Ivey continued. “I trust that you will rise to the occasion and set a standard for others to follow.”

The beginning of Harrell’s tenure comes as the county recovers from Thursday’s deadly tornadoes that killed at least seven people and left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Sedinger, who was Autauga County sheriff for eight years and served in the sheriff’s office for more than 22 years, died of cancer in early December.

He was remembered as “an example of a courageous servant’s heart,” according to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor.