Jim Hammond Sworn In as Hamilton County Sheriff

It's the beginning of a new era in Hamilton County. Sheriff Elect Jim Hammond has been sworn into office.NewsChannel 9's Erica Green has more on his new beginning.

It's been a rough year for the Hamilton County sheriff's Department. Former Sheriff Billy Long has pleaded guilty to 27 federal charges in a public corruption case. Today, begins a new chapter in the history book for the 39th Hamilton County Sheriff Elect Jim Hammond.

" It's a county who recently went through troubled waters but we've come though those waters. I have to thank Sheriff Branum for his leadership during his time," said Sheriff Hammond

Hammond began his career in law enforcement at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court while he was in college in 1963. He then worked as Chief Deputy under Sheriff HQ Evatt. Later he trained police officers at the US Department of Justice.

"I've had the opportunity to work with our new Sheriff. I found him to be a man of integrity and he's going to be a huge asset to Hamilton County. I look forward to him going to work today," said Jim Coppinger, County Commisioner of District 3.

Sheriff Hammond says he knows he has a lot of hard work ahead of him in regaining the public's trust. He says his first goal is to get to know his team.

" To go and shake hands with every employee look them in the eye and tell them who I am. I fully know that I've got to earn their respect. Learn who they are,learn a little about them because I think once I know the team it's easier for us to work together," said Sheriff Hammond.

Regaining the public's trust is also at the top of his list, something many say he will not have a hard time doing.

" One of the great things that Jim Hammond does have the ability to pull people back together for a common cause," said Coppinger.

This cause: putting the pieces of Hamilton County Law Enforcement back together.  If Sheriff Hammond chooses to continue serving he will have to run again in 2 years.