A deputy constable will take over as Smith County constable for Precinct 2 starting Jan. 1.

The Smith County Commissioners Court appointed Josh Black to take over for Andy Dunklin, who is leaving the position to become Precinct 2 justice of the peace.

The court voted unanimously to appoint Black at Dunklin’s recommendation. He will take over for the remaining two years of Dunklin’s term.

Dunklin said Monday that he told the court a year ago that he would be resigning to run for justice of the peace.

The court opted to keep him in the position instead of accepting the immediate resignation, he said.

Prior to voting on the appointment, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran asked members of the court if they knew any other people who were interested in the position. Several members said they didn’t.

“I would like to have some sort of resume to know something about, or maybe he could even get up now and tell us about his law enforcement career or something,” Commissioner Terry Phillips said.

“Because I’m sure he’s a very fine man — I’ve seen him in court several times — but I know nothing about him really,” Phillips said. “I mean normally we get some kind of resume or something that we can look over. I would feel more comfortable if I knew more about him.”

Black, 36, is a Flint resident who has been with the Precinct 2 constable’s office since 2014. He previously worked for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and in the Smith County Jail. He attended the Tyler Junior College Law Enforcement Academy.

Black addressed the court on Tuesday, describing about 17 years of police work experience. He said he is on track to complete an associate degree in criminal justice at Tyler Junior College in May. Additionally, he offered to submit a resume for consideration.

Moran also praised Black. “I actually know Deputy Black from his service with the county and by reputation and by personal knowledge I can attest to his qualifications and the quality of man that he is and the quality of official that he will be if we appoint him to this position.”

“He is certainly one that is a rule-of-the-law kind of guy, that is not going to give favoritism to anybody based on who he might know or doesn’t know or certain other situations other than just strictly applying the law, and that’s what we want,” he said.

Commissioner Cary Nix asked if a special election would be required to fill the position.

Commissioner Jeff Warr said it’s not required because the term has less than two years remaining.

“People have known that this has been out there, and I can promise you that if somebody had been interested they’d have been, they would’ve let us know about it,” Phillips said.

Moran added: “And that’s why I wanted to bring that up, certainly not to suggest that we need to delay it, but I want folks to know that we really have been considering this. This has been in our mind, and the community has known about this since March.

“And Josh, I think that you’re the right man to fill this position, and if there were any other qualified candidates that would have been serious contenders they would have shown their face,” he said.

Black said in an interview after the vote that he has been preparing for the position by attending Commissioners Court meetings on a regular basis. He also recently completed a three-week leadership course with the Texas Police Chiefs Association.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “I just look forward to working with the court and just filling Constable Dunklin’s shoes.”

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