AMERICUS, Ga. (AP) - A south Georgia sheriff has died after nearly 16 years in office.
Officials in Sumter County confirmed that Sheriff Pete Smith died Wednesday at a hospital. Smith’s chief deputy, Col. Eric Bryant, told WALB-TV that Smith was a “caring and compassionate man” who loved law enforcement.
The cause of the sheriff’s death was not immediately released.
Smith was first elected sheriff in 2004 and was finishing his fourth term. He chose not to seek re-election this year.
“Sheriff Smith was a good man, a dear friend, and a dedicated public servant to his community,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a Twitter post. “And on behalf of all Georgians, my family and I are praying for his loved ones in this difficult time.”
It will be up to Kemp be appoint an interim successor to Smith. A permanent sheriff will be elected in November.
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