The County Commission on Thursday morning unanimously chose East Ridge Mayor Vince Dean as the replacement for Jack Sharp in House District 30.

Mr. Dean will serve until the November election.

He said he plans to retire from a long career with the Chattanooga Police Department on Monday - the same day he officially takes office in the Legislature.

He said he has not decided whether he will stay on as East Ridge mayor, but will announce a decision soon. The law allows him to handle both jobs at the same time.

Rep. Sharp died March 12 after a long struggle with lung cancer.

It was the first time within memory that the County Commission had been called on to fill a mid-term legislative vacancy, officials said.

Mr. Dean told commission members, "I will take honesty, integrity and hard work to Nashville and will bring back good solid legislation to enhance the district and the state as a whole."

He added, "I'm honored and humbled. You will not be embarrassed."

Mr. Dean, a Republican like Rep. Sharp, is the only candidate thus far to qualify for the November race.

Commissioner Curtis Adams of East Ridge said, "I am just proud that we have someone like Vince Dean. He is a good Christian gentleman with great folks. He'll go to work on Monday morning."

Commissioner Bill Hullander said, "I'd say Jack Sharp is smiling this morning knowing that Vince is going to serve this district well."

County Mayor Claude Ramsey said, "I don't know of anybody any better qualified with the background he has."

Commissioner Lou Miller said, "I feel good about this appointment. The Dean family has a great record in this county."

Commissioner Charlotte Vandergriff said, "I'm impressed by him. I'm certain he will have a very smooth transition from East Ridge to Nashville. I feel very good about this appointment."

Commissioner Fred Skillern said, "I think he will serve all of Hamilton County, not just his district. The fact that the vote was unanimous is a reflection of the resume he has built."

Commissioner Richard Casavant said he looked forward to the new legislator working on improving the county's share of the BEP funds for schools, and Chairman Larry Henry also praised the appointment.