ST. CLAIR COUNTY — For a fourth consecutive term, Terry Surles is the sheriff of St. Clair County while Dennis Russell is the county’s coroner. Both were sworn in Wednesday by Probate Judge Mike Bowling at a special ceremony in Ashville.

Surles made history in St. Clair County by becoming the first sheriff ever elected to serve four consecutive terms.

“It is definitely an honor and privilege to serve the people of St. Clair County,” Surles said. “It has definitely been a good 12 years. I have a good department with good employees. They all know how to do their jobs and that was evident by all they did these past few days during the winter storm.”

Russell also expressed gratitude to the wonderful citizens of this great county.

“I appreciate the confidence the people of St. Clair County have shown in me,” Russell said. “I very much appreciate the support I receive from my wife Brenda. There are many times that we are at a family function or out eating and I get a phone call and she knows I have to go. She is very understanding and without her support, I couldn’t do this job.”

Contact Gary Hanner at ghanner@thestclairtimes.com.