Hall County Sheriff Steve Cronic took the oath of office Wednesday for a third four-year term, becoming just the second sheriff to serve three terms in Hall County and the first to do so without opposition in two consecutive elections.

Cronic, 50, was sworn in by Chief Superior Court Judge Andy Fuller in front of an overflow courtroom audience with wife Kathy and son Cody by his side. Cronic later told those assembled that he owed a debt of gratitude to "everyone in this room," particularly his employees.

"It’s my responsibility to make promises, but it’s the men and women of your sheriff’s office who keep those promises," said Cronic, the 2007 Georgia Sheriff of the Year.

Former Sheriff Bob Vass said his successor had responded ably to the vast changes brought about by tremendous growth in Hall County during the past eight years.

"We have a person who not only met the challenges of change, but actually exceeded all expectations of the promises he made and promises he kept," Vass said.

Cronic has overseen state certification and national accreditation of the sheriff’s office and spearheaded the opening of a new 1,026-bed jail. He also has introduced numerous new initiatives that include the ADVANCE education programs for school-age children and the Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy.

"He is an innovative person, and someone who can be defined as a visionary," Fuller said prior to administering the oath.

Cronic, who was unopposed in last year’s Republican primary and general election, joins Dick Mecum as the only other three-term sheriff in Hall County’s history.

Cronic oversees an office with almost 500 employees and a budget of approximately $30 million. His current term of office expires Dec. 31, 2012.