Almost 200 people crowded into the Goochland Circuit Court building last Thursday to see perhaps the most significant swearing in of new county officials in decades.

“It is important to publicly recognize those who have chosen to serve their fellow citizens,” said Chief Circuit Court Judge Timothy K. Sanner before he began with the swearing in process.

Each of the elected officials was called forward and sworn individually, as well as the deputies of the constituional officers, after which each signed a copy of the oath.

“This was a very impressive ceremony,” said Circuit Court Clerk Lee Tuner. “It was definitely the largest group of family and friends we have had.”

Turner said the formal swearing in ceremony was begun in 2003.  Before that date, elected officials were sworn in individually by a judge or the Circuit Court Clerk.