Long County deputy Lt. Craig Nobles is to be sworn in as the county’s sheriff to complete the term of his late father, Cecil Nobles, who died last Monday.

Long County Probate Judge Marie Middleton said state law calls for her to appoint an acting-sheriff. She said a special election for the vacated office cannot be held until July 31. Information provided by Middleton says that since that scheduled election is to take place within six months of the end of the late sheriff’s term, a special election will not be required. Nobles’ term was to end on Dec. 31.

The office was up for election this year. And, because of that, Long County residents will pick who takes  the office on next Jan. 1 during the general election, which is scheduled for November. Several candidates are  expected  to run.
Middleton said her decision to appoint the late sheriff’s son was made after she reviewed the qualifications for the position and consulted with other officials.

Middleton said Lt. Nobles will be sworn in Thursday at the Long County Courthouse. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m.

Cecil Nobles had held the office since 1969. His 40-plus years in office was the longest tenure of any sheriff in Georgia and reportedly the second longest in the United States.

Craig Nobles most recent assignment with the department has been heading the patrol division.