Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond has promoted Capt. Charles Lowery Jr. to the position of deputy chief of law enforcement, according to a news release.
The promotion ceremony was held Thursday, sheriff’s office spokesman Matt Lea said in the release. Along with Lowery’s family and friends, his long-time friend and mentor, retired Deputy Chief Richard Thurman Jr., was present. Thurman was the first African American chief deputy in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Lowery is a 41-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, Lea said. As chief deputy, he will command the day-today operations in the Uniformed Services, Criminal Investigation, Operational Support, Court Security and the Civil Process divisions.
He previously has served in the School Resource Officer, Traffic and Training divisions. He was the first African American with a college degree hired by the HCSO, and was its first African American school resource officer and motorcycle traffic investigator, Lea said.
“Deputy Chief Lowery is a man who has dedicated his entire career to law enforcement and keeping the people of Hamilton County safe,” Hammond said in the release. “He is passionate about helping our younger deputies build a meaningful and successful career and he is a natural leader among his peers. Charles has earned the respect of this agency, his colleagues, and the appreciation of our community.”
Lowery and his wife, Patricia, have three children, Kimberly, LaTrisha, and Charles III, who is a sergeant in the HCSO Corrections Division, and five grandchildren.
Lowery said he is honored to serve as chief deputy.
“I have dedicated my life to serving the citizens of Hamilton County and I appreciate the support of Sheriff Hammond and my colleagues as I endeavor to begin this new chapter in my career.”