Hamilton County, TN – Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond is formally announcing the appointment of Austin Garrett to the rank of Chief Deputy. Chief Deputy Garrett will serve as head of the Command Staff and will serve as the Sheriff’s executive administrator responsible for the daily operation of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The Chief Deputy is also directly responsible for overseeing all law enforcement, corrections, and civilian personnel.

“I want to thank Sheriff Jim Hammond for this opportunity to lead and serve alongside the men and women of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office,” stated Lieutenant Garrett. “I look forward to serving the community and being a part of this great law enforcement agency’s future,” he noted.

Mr. Garrett is a twenty-five year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department and is a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officer. Most recent position at the Chattanooga Police Department was Lieutenant for Tactical and Traffic Operations. In this most recent role, Lieutenant Garrett was responsible for managing and leading the operations, planning, and ongoing development for thirteen specialized units.

Mr. Garrett holds a Bachelor of Science from Bethel University and is a recent graduate of the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. He is also a graduate of the Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy in 2012. He is a Master Mason with the Brainerd Masonic Lodge and a current board member for the Forgotten Child Fund.

“Lieutenant Austin Garrett will be a strong leadership addition to the ranks of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office as Chief Deputy,” stated Sheriff Jim Hammond. “Austin will bring a variety of knowledge and expertise as a career law enforcement officer who has served in numerous positions of leadership,” he further noted.

Lieutenant Garrett will officially assume the role of Chief Deputy on February 8, 2019.

The position of Interim Chief Deputy is currently being occupied by Bill Johnson who recently retired earlier this year from the HCSO as Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement.

Prior to Interim Chief Deputy Johnson, the position had been occupied by Allen Branum who retired earlier this year.