Jail post open as Gobble moves to East Ridge

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond said he has no plans to immediately fill the jail chief position after Chief Tim Gobble accepted a new job as East Ridge city manager.

Hammond said filling a position typically takes two to three months after advertising, building a register and conducting interviews. He doesn't anticipate hiring a new jail chief before July.

Gobble accepted the East Ridge job Monday night. His last day at the jail will be April 29, Hammond said.

In the meantime, "the team's going to have to pull together," he said.

Chief Deputy Allen Branum most likely will oversee the jail until a replacement is found, Hammond said.

As jail chief, Gobble makes $66,855 per year.

Hammond said the salary for the position runs in the high 60s with benefits including insurance, uniforms, in-service training and a take-home car.

"East Ridge's gain is our loss," Hammond said.

Gobble has worked as the interim jail chief since September, during former jail chief Richard Shockley's battle with cancer. Shockley died in late January.

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