For Immediate Release: November 18, 2022

HCSO Graduates First Female Motor Traffic Deputy

Hamilton County, TN – Sheriff Austin Garrett and the men and women of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office are proud to announce Traffic Homicide Investigator Ashley Buckner has successfully completed Law Enforcement Motor School in Knox County, Tennessee, officially making her the first female in our agency’s 200 year history to be certified as a Motor Deputy.

The Law Enforcement Motor School, arguably one of the most difficult certifications for law enforcement personnel to achieve, consists of an (80) hour course detailing the fundamentals of motorcycle operation. The course includes several days of grueling real life exercises and various obstacle courses designed to prepare a deputy to safely operate a motorcycle in both emergency and non-emergency operations.

According to Ashley’s instructors, her level of achievement and command of the 800 pound Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle utilized during the course was so proficient, she was deemed the class example for proper rider technique and operation.

“I am very proud of Traffic Homicide Investigator Buckner for her service to the HCSO and her most recent achievement in becoming our newest Motor Deputy. As a former Motor Officer for the Chattanooga Police Department, I can personally attest to the rigorous curriculum and skill necessary to complete this coveted certification. In addition to their daily law enforcement operations, our Motor Deputies serve in a very public role whether it be participating in local events and parades or escorting funerals or visiting dignitaries. The level of precision and personal command of a motorcycle required to perform both their law enforcement and ceremonial duties are impressive,” stated Sheriff Austin Garrett.

As noted above, HCSO Traffic Homicide Investigators perform daily law enforcement duties throughout our county in addition to investigating traffic accidents and fatalities, mapping accident scenes, DUI enforcement, speed reduction and enforcement, and accident reconstruction.

Traffic Homicide Investigator Buckner is an (8) year veteran of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and also holds certifications as a Drug Recognition Expert Instructor and a DUI Instructor.

Please join with us as we congratulate Ashley for her most recent achievement and recognize her service to this agency and the citizens of Hamilton County.