Jim Hammond
› Office: Hamilton County sheriff
› Party: Republican
› Previous public office experience: Served as mayor of the city of Ridgeside; elected sheriff of Hamilton County in 2008.
› Why voters should choose me: Because of my education, training and experience as follows: bachelor’s degree in psychology, bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degree in criminal justice. Served 1963-1969, Hamilton County Juvenile Court; 1969-1971, United States Navy; 1971-1978 Hamilton County Juvenile Court; 1978-1994, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, chief deputy; 1995-2006, national and international law enforcement training instructor
› Biggest challenge facing the office I seek: Strong vision for recruiting, vetting, training and promotion of new generation of officers to meet the diverse needs of citizens today in both protecting and servicing all citizens in a fair and equitable manner while seeking funding to meet the salary, capital, technology and operational needs of the office of sheriff.
› How I will address this challenge: By building a command leadership team through recruiting, vetting and promoting educated, motivated and skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds representative of the county who mirror the makeup of the community. Tasking command staff to mentor ranks at all levels in the goals and objectives of the office of sheriff. Partnering with other law enforcement agencies nationwide who develop and utilize the latest in training, technology and best practices toward protecting and serving all citizens.
› Policy position of mine that may surprise people: Probably my deep-held belief that all employees need to feel that they can make a difference in their role in law enforcement. I believe that individuals are best convinced by reasons they themselves conclude and, thus, supervisors need to help all employees feel they are part of the solutions to any issues the officer faces. I also believe it is my job to try to save any difficult employee as much as possible.
› Public servant I most admire: Abraham Lincoln understood the value of a man, not on whether the man liked him but could the man do the job. When asked to select a new general, Lincoln read bios and made his choice. He was asked, “Mr. President, why this man, he doesn’t like you?” Lincoln replied, “I did not select him because he liked me but because he can do the job.”
› Campaign office: P.O. Box 21981, Chattanooga, TN 37424
› Campaign phone: 423-718-9999
› Campaign email:
fcpo67@hotmail.com
› Campaign website: n/a
› Campaign Facebook:
facebook.com/Jim-Hammond-
Sheriff-45430850166/
› Campaign Twitter: n/a
› Campaign Instagram: n/a
PERSONAL
› Age: 74
› Occupation: Sheriff of Hamilton County
› Education: Outlined above
› Family: Wife, three children and eight grandchildren
› Residence city: Chattanooga
› Church/civic involvement: Woodland Park Baptist Church; Christian Business Men’s Connection; Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers.
› Quote or saying I live by: Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8