In a special ceremony, Crenshaw County Probate Judge Jim Perdue was officially sworn in to office Friday afternoon, Jan. 12, at the Crenshaw County Courthouse. He was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Sue Bell Cobb.

In front of a full courtroom, Crenshaw County Commission Chairman Ronnie Hudson welcomed everyone to the afternoon event.

&#8220Judge Perdue has served us for the last five years, and he has done an excellent job,” Hudson said. &#8220He ran against two honored candidates and won without a run-offŠI think that shows how highly the people in this county think of him.”

Circuit Clerk Ann Tate introduced several special guests, which included probate judges from surrounding counties, including Judge Bill Stone of Pike County, Judge Sherrie Phillips of Covington County, Judge Bill Gammill of Coffee County, Judge Steve Norman of Butler County, and District Judge Macdonald Russell of Butler County.

Sen. Wendell Mitchell said that he had practiced law in Crenshaw County for 22 years.

&#8220I can appreciate the historical significance of the law that has gone on in this room,” Mitchell said. &#8220Jim has done an outstanding job as probate judge for Crenshaw County.”

Mitchell then introduced the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Sue Bell Cobb.

&#8220I have tried cases in 40 out of the 67 counties in this state,” Chief Justice Cobb said. &#8220I have seen where a county's probate judge is one of the most beloved elected officials in a courthouse because he or she has found a way to serve others, and that makes us happy.”

&#8220The public knows that it can come to the probate judge for help, especially in rural areas,” she added. &#8220You are, indeed, fortunate to have a man of Jim Perdue's caliberŠI consider him my friend, and it is an honor for me to administer the oath of office to him.”

Perdue's children, Mary Cathryn and Mike, held the Bible with him as he took the oath of office.

&#8220It's an honor for me to serve the people of Crenshaw County,” Perdue said after the ceremony. &#8220I'd rather do this than hunt or fish.”

&#8220I want to thank my family for being here with me,” he continued, &#8220and, I want to thank my staff. They are vital to the office, and I'm blessed to have them.”

Perdue's staff was recognized, and they include Sandra Berry, Joy Lowery and Dawn Rayborn.

After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed refreshments, punch and hors d'oeuvres.