NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. –

On Jan. 1, Hancock County Sheriff Mike White will become a county magistrate while sheriff-elect Ralph Fletcher takes over.

"There's a lot of similarities," said White as he takes about the career change. "When you take this job, you swear to uphold the constitution. I'll continue that oath. I've taken my oath of office already and it's just a matter of continuing to be fair to everybody. It's not a case of taking sides. It's about making good decisions based on the facts and the law."

White discussed with NEWS9's Kelly Camarote his accomplishments and the challenges that will face the next sheriff.

"We've gotten more equipment and our education for the officers. We exceed the state requirements," said White. "I think we help a lot of people. You always feel like you could have done more with the drugs and that's probably one of the worst things that face our community. It will continue to face our community over the years, but that's one thing we need to stay fast in."

White will officially become magistrate on Jan. 1 but his first day on the job will be on Jan. 2 because the first is a holiday.