Though his first full term in office won’t start until January 1, Norman Smith is now on the job as the Polk County Coroner after he was sworn in by Probate Judge Linda Smith on Wednesday.

Smith, who sought the seat in qualifying unopposed back in March to replace now-former Coroner Tony Brazier, is taking over the remainder of the time in the seat after Judge Smith appointed Brazier to serve as an Associate Probate Court Judge on a temporary basis until she steps down in the coming days.

“I am proud and humbled to be taking over as the new Polk County Coroner, and I look forward to being able to serve the families of Polk County with compassion and understanding in the Coroner’s office,” Smith said today following the brief ceremony that was held on Wednesday to swear him into office.

Smith is also the owner and operator of Smith and Miller Funeral Home in Cedartown.

The new coroner began his first full day on the job Thursday. He’ll be heading off for the next available class for him to take on the required training as part of serving as a coroner in December.