Hamilton County, TN – This morning, former Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Gino Bennett was recognized by Sheriff Austin Garrett for his contributions to this agency. Chief of Staff Bennett formally retired from the HCSO in September of 2022. Also in attendance was former Sheriff Jim Hammond.

Sheriff Austin Garrett, members of his Executive Staff, and several other close colleagues of Chief of Staff Gino Bennett personally contributed money to purchase him a firearm with his name, title, and sheriff’s badge laser etched on the frame commemorating his service along with a gift card.

One of Chief of Staff Bennett’s greatest impacts on this agency involved his ability to write grants which in return secured thousands of dollars of funding for equipment and tools for many of the household units our agency has now come to rely on in our day-to-day operations. These units include funding for watercraft for our Marine Patrol Unit and dive equipment for our Sheriff’s Underwater Recovery Team (SURT), among many others.

One of Chief Bennett’s biggest achievements was creating and securing grant funding for our Frequent User Systems Engagement (FUSE) Program which continues to serve those in our community suffering with mental illness.

“For almost two decades, Gino Bennett has played an important role in the leadership of the Sheriff’s Office and his friendship and counsel have been greatly appreciated by many, including myself, who have had the pleasure and honor of working with him. He leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to the citizens of Hamilton County that is commendable and unparalleled, and we appreciate the value he has brought to this agency. We hope he will enjoy this specially engraved firearm as a token of our friendship and appreciation,” stated Sheriff Austin Garrett.

Please join with us as we recognize Chief of Staff Gino Bennett’s retirement and service not only to this agency, but the citizens of Hamilton County.