Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Allen Branum speaks to reporters during a news conference at the Cold Case Unit office on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has appointed another interim chief deputy until Austin Garrett takes over later this year.
Sheriff Jim Hammond appointed Allen Branum on New Year's Day to the position, according to a news release.
He will remain in the position until Garrett, a 25-year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department, assumes the role on Feb. 8.
Branum had actually just retired last year after serving as chief deputy for 10 years.
Since Branum's retirement, Bill Johnson, who was also retired from his position as deputy chief of law enforcement, served as the interim chief deputy. Johnson agreed to serve until Dec. 31.
"During the selection process, it was anticipated we would only need an interim Chief Deputy until December 31st," Hammond said in a statement. "However, until Austin Garrett is able to complete his retirement with the Chattanooga Police Department and officially take over as Chief Deputy, it is important to me we maintain continuity in our operations."