Sheriff Jim Hammond will continue to lead his department after winning his first full term as county sheriff by capturing more than 80 percent of the vote.
“I certainly, deeply appreciate the citizens of Hamilton County that gave me an opportunity to serve for the next four years,” Hammond said in a phone interview Thursday night.
With 98 percent of precincts reporting, the sheriff had a 5-to-1 lead over his Democratic challenger Lloyd Clendenen.
Hamilton County Sheriff98 percent precincts reportingJim Hammond (R) 39,758Lloyd Clendenen (D) – 7,619
“I look forward to this next four years to accomplish some other things that we need to move forward,” Hammond said.
Hammond took office two years ago after winning a special election to finish the term of former Sheriff Billy Long, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to 27 charges involving extortion, money laundering, drugs and guns.
Hammond will be sworn in to office for the full term with other elected county officials on Sept. 1. The sheriff’s annual base salary is $110,000.
Hamilton County is poised for major growth with the opening of the Volkswagen plant and his department is preparing for that growth, Hammond said.
Since taking office in 2008 Hammond has updated technology at the jail and on the county website, developed a career mentoring program for deputies, quadrupled the neighborhood watch program and nearly doubled the number of reserve deputies.
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