While Sheriff Dennis Meeks didn’t make history yesterday, he did become the county’s first three-term sheriff in more than 50 years.

“Cliff Meredith served from 1950 to 1962,” Meeks said after the results were tallied. “It has happened, but there have just been a handful of sheriffs to do it.”

Meeks had a commanding lead over challenger Chris Byrd, winning 5,065 (69 percent) to Byrd’s 2,233.

“This is really what we were looking for,” Meeks said when he reached the courthouse, were votes were being counted Tuesday night. “We are proud to win a third term.”

Byrd could not be reached for comment.