Hundreds of people gathered at the First Baptist Church of Gainesville Friday afternoon to watch new Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch sworn into office by Gov. Nathan Deal and celebrate his new role.Couch said it’s important to him that the office be seen by the public as the most professional it can be for all residents, and that he will strive daily to make Hall County a safe and family-friendly community. In his speech, he said his life and career have been centered on professional community service, dedication to the truth, leading by example and community and financial accountability, and he plans to continue on that path as sheriff.“Today marks the start of a new beginning,” Couch said.