On the third shelf to the left of his new office on the ground floor of the downtown headquarters of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Austin Garrett proudly points to two family heirlooms that explain a great deal about the newly hired deputy chief.
"Those belonged to my daddy," Garrett said of the old-school blue light and side-car siren in the four-shelf case.
Garrett's father was a volunteer with the Jackson County sheriff's department in Alabama as his son grew up, and the younger Garrett watched and learned from him.
Jay GreesonHe learned about leadership. "Best leader I ever saw because of the way he treated people," Austin said.
He learned about police work. "I always knew it was important, and the sheriff in a small town, was a big man," he said.
Forget the three Rs for a moment, Garrett grew up with the three Fs - faith, family and the force. It's a life lesson that has become a lesson underpinning a life of service.
"I've always been around it," Garrett said. "He showed me the value of always trying to serve others."
Garrett's last day as a lieutenant in the Chattanooga Police Department could almost be described as expected as it was emotional.
On his final day, Garrett answered his radio like he had a thousand or even 10,000 times before in his 25-year career.
"Car 20; Badge 783," he said, identifying himself.
But this was the final call, and his daughter Haley was on the other end of the line. She, like Garrett, was drawn to this line of work because of her father.
"It was really emotional, and when she said, 'I love you daddy,' well," Garrett said earlier this week about the video that has been viewed more than a quarter million times online.
Garrett's last words to his daughter - and in some ways to everyone listening in - was simple. And familiar.
"I told her, 'Don't forget who you are,'" he said. "That's something I've told her since she was young, and it has stuck. It's about remembering who you are, your last name, your values and how you were raised. You have to think before you make a decision about the consequences."
His fatherly catch phrase has been part of his leadership style.
"Always add value," he said succinctly about his philosophy. "Whether it's to the organization, the individual or the community, find ways to add value. Adding value to one really means you are adding value to all three."
Sitting with Garrett makes you realize why Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond has so much confidence in his new No. 2. How high is that confidence? Hammond said earlier this week during the swearing in that he hopes Garrett succeeds him.
So a new job, albeit it in a familiar line of work and his adopted hometown, hardly fazes Garrett.
And the goals of the future are every bit as enticing as the memories with the CPD.
"I would not have retired from the CPD if this chance had not presented itself," Garrett said. "I hope to God I've got another great 20 years left."
So do we Deputy Chief. So do we.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343.