CAIRO, Ga. — Elected officials, both new and returning, were sworn in at the Grady County Courthouse on Tuesday morning.

Five elected officials were sworn in by Probate Judge Denise Maddox, each with family members in tow.

Three commissioners were sworn in.

Long-time commissioner Elwyn Childs was sworn in — adding another term to his combined three-decade tenure in county government.

LaFaye Copeland was sworn in for a second term, and newly-elected Keith Moye was also sworn in.

“We got a lot of history right now in this room,” Childs said.

One chapter in history Childs referred to was the Bible Moye brought to the ceremony, which belonged to Wiley Pearce, Moye’s ancestor and the first mayor for the city of Cairo.

Childs also said being sworn in — his ninth time — was humbling.

“It’s not about me,” Childs said. “It’s about the people of Grady County.”

Copeland, who ran uncontested, said she was ecstatic about being sworn in again.

“The people trust me enough to elect me for a second term,” she said. “I’m just grateful to the constituents.”

The board chairman will be appointed at the first Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 3. Charlie Norton conducted his last commissioners’ meeting as chairman on Dec. 20.

Pat Pollock and Barbara Darus were sworn in as chief magistrate and tax commissioner, respectively.

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.