Augusta — Lonnie Wimberley was sworn in as the District 4 commissioner at a public ceremony in Augusta, Georgia, that included an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance and remarks from community leaders.

Octavia Collins opened the event and introduced Wimberley as the honoree, highlighting his three decades of U.S. Army service (retired as a command sergeant major), more than 20 years as an employee of the city and prior leadership in neighborhood associations. Collins said those experiences demonstrated his "commitment to public service" and urged continued public support.

Georgia State Senator Harold V. Jones offered personal remarks and anecdotes about his long relationship with Wimberley, praising his selflessness and work ethic. Jones characterized voters’ choice as a move toward "substance" over political optics and urged the community to remember Wimberley’s character as he begins his term.

The Honorable Charles H.S. Lyons, a superior court judge of the Augusta judicial circuit, administered the official oath of office. During the ceremony Wimberley repeated the oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the state of Georgia and affirmed he was not the holder of unaccounted public money or disqualified office. The judge concluded the oath with "So help me God." (U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Georgia were cited aloud as part of the oath.)

After being sworn in, Commissioner Lonnie Wimberley thanked his family, campaign volunteers and endorsers and outlined his priorities for District 4 and Augusta: "responsible budgeting, public safety, strong neighborhoods, transparent leadership, and expanding opportunity for all families in District 4." He asked the community for continued support as he begins his term.

The ceremony included an invocation by Reverend Anthony Booker and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cammie Hamilton. Event organizers noted the Augusta judicial circuit’s jurisdiction includes Burke and Richmond counties during the oath administration.

No formal votes or policy actions occurred during the ceremony; the primary outcome was the formal administration of the oath and Wimberley’s public remarks. The event concluded with Wimberley’s final thanks and the close of the ceremony.