Former Hall County Sheriff Bob Vass died Monday morning after an extended illness, according to information from the Hall County Coroner's Office.
Vass was elected as sheriff in 1992, after serving as a federal probation officer. He was sheriff for eight years. Vass also served as a member of the State Board of Pardons and Parole, following his stint as sheriff.
Vass had served on the Lanier Technical College Advisory Board, Edmondson-Telford Center for Children, Boy Scouts of America-Board of Director, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Georgia Peace officers Association, Georgia Board of Corrections and 1996 Olympic Games-Security Task Force.
He was instrumental in starting the D.A.R.E. program in Hall County schools, according to his obituary.
Vass was invited to Hungary in 1995 to help the country's efforts to implement western police practices. He also was invited to Israel in 1996 to study terrorism in preparation for the Olympic Games in Georgia.
Funeral services for Vass, 82, will be held Thursday, April 6 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Green Street in Gainesville. Visitation is scheduled from 4- 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 5 at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Memorial Park Road.
