Habersham County Sheriff Robin Krockum officially replaced former sheriff Joey Terrell at midnight on Jan. 1.
In audio provided by Habersham County officials Wednesday afternoon, Krockum described his first 45 minutes in office – much of which was spent swearing in employees at the sheriff’s office.
“Like I’ve said to my family and coworkers, I’m both nervous and excited,” Krockum said. “I look forward to helping this department grow and move forward. I think we’ll continue to be able to do great things for the citizens of Habersham County.”
As Krockum took office the moment the new year began, Terrell pinned insignias on his collar before his wife placed the badge on his uniform.
“It means a lot,” Krockum said. “Joey and I started around 1995-1995. We’ve worked together our whole careers. He’s been a friend and a mentor to me. To have my wife here, and my youngest daughter, to celebrate that with me, it means a lot. It’s important to me.”
Going forward, now as sheriff, Krockum said he’s eager to “serve the citizens of Habersham County.”
Krockum, 52, has a 28-year career in law enforcement – first with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office before he joined the Demorest Police Department. Krockum went on to lead Alto’s Police Department as chief when it was founded.
He came back to Habersham County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol commander under Terrell in 2009, then he returned to Demorest as police chief in 2016 until his retirement earlier this year.
