Since its establishment in 1819, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has remained the constitutional and primary law enforcement agency in Hamilton County providing quality law enforcement services to the residents of this County. Our agency's history is distinguished by acts of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty embodying the highest standards of our profession.
From the days of mounted deputies on horseback to the forefront of modern technology and state-of-the-art patrol vehicles, our people have safeguarded Hamilton County and contributed to its enduring legacy, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community and the citizens we are so privileged and honored to serve.
We remain committed to leading the way in the delivery of premier law enforcement services across Hamilton County and we invite you to learn more about our agency's history by visiting the historical archive below.
To learn more about the History of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, download our full HCSO Historical Archive:
Since 1819, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has proudly upheld its law enforcement mission throughout Hamilton County, building a storied reputation through the dedication and hard work of the men and women who have served our community. This legacy is exemplified in the leadership of our elected sheriffs, who have guided our agency with distinction for over 200 years.
The following information provides an in-depth look at the lives and service of our sheriffs, featuring stories, photographs, and details that highlight their contributions and the impact of their administrations. We invite you to explore the history of these remarkable public servants and their enduring commitment to Hamilton County.
To learn more about the Sheriffs of Hamilton County, download our full Hamilton County Sheriffs Historical Archive (PDF):
The law enforcement profession holds an element of risk, perhaps greater than any other professional career. Its perils are always present, and the potential for encountering tragedy is extraordinary. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a presidential proclamation that set aside May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week.
In 1988, plans for a fitting law enforcement memorial to honor our local officers killed in the line of duty began to take shape, as then Chief Deputy Jim Hammond and his memorial staff, under the direction of now Chief of Staff Gino Bennett, began working toward that goal.
In 1989, the centrally located memorial site in the 600 block of Market Street next to the Hamilton County-Chattanooga Courts Building was officially donated to the project by the Hamilton County Commissioners. The park’s function would be to pay tribute to local law enforcement and specifically to give prominent recognition to those officers killed in the line of duty.
In 1992, Chief Deputy Hammond and his memorial staff created the Law Enforcement Memorial Committee challenged with raising the money for the project. Memorial services attended by law enforcement personnel throughout the area were held at the site in 1993 and 1994. Within four years the “pocket park” with its benches to provide an inspirational place of reflection and relaxation was created, and artists were contacted to create a monument to honor the fallen officers
In 1998, the Chattanooga Area Law Enforcement Commission (CALECO) chose local well-known artist Cessna Decosimo to create a memorial at the site. Finally, in 2002, with all funds for this project raised from private resources, artist Decosimo began his creation
In May 2003, the impressive unveiling of the monument took place. The five-and-one-half ton bronze cube structure (signifying strength and beauty) was set in place at the park. The memorial has a carved niche on each of its four sides. Inside three of the niches are life-size realistic figures made of bronze. The niche facing south has a grieving woman, on the opposite side facing north is a grieving man, and in the center niche facing west on Market Street is a figure of St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police. On the opposite side of the cube facing the existing marble wall is the fourth niche, which remains empty, signifying the loss of slain officers and the resulting loss to our community as a whole.
The sculpture serves as an inspirational memorial as well as a timeless allegory of good versus evil. It is intended to teach us that there is a cost our civilization must pay to fight crime and corruption. It serves as a statement that we, as a culture, are all connected, and when we lose just one member, we all suffer the loss together
A memorial service is held at the park each year in mid-May, and the public is invited to attend. Attending the ceremony are many officers and leadership from around the county as well as survivors, elected officials, and other dignitaries.
Our fallen deputies are honored and remembered on the Officer Down Memorial Page:
Our fallen deputies are honored and remembered on the Officer Down Memorial Page:
