Sheriff Russell Barker elected leader of Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association
Sheriff Russell Barker
He was elected to the post last week at the 54th-annual meeting of the association, which represents the sheriffs of all of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
Barker will lead the activities of the association while continuing to serve as sheriff in Anderson County, according to an announcement from his office.
The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association was formed in 1971 to bring together the top law enforcement officials across the state.
Through this group, the sheriffs advocate for policies that enhance public safety, along with providing professional education and training for law enforcement officers, and maintaining a forum for law enforcement leaders to share best practices.
“Being elected to serve and protect the people of Anderson County as their sheriff will always be my most-proud professional accomplishment,” Barker said in the announcement. “I love my job as sheriff.
“With that said, it is a special privilege to be selected by all of Tennessee’s sheriffs, who are our state’s experts at what is required to meet the demands of being a sheriff. Their confidence in me is humbling.”
In the president’s role, Barker will preside over the association’s monthly meetings, as well as representing Tennessee’s sheriffs in their work with the state General Assembly and the governor regarding funding and suggested needed changes in the laws.
He also will help coordinate the work of the sheriffs in jail administration and certification, training standards, initiatives to combat drugs or other crimes, and other law enforcement efforts.
“Sheriff Barker has been a popular and model sheriff across the state of Tennessee for many years,” Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler said in response to Barker’s election to the association’s leadership post.
“Tennessee sheriffs have admired Russell’s work in Anderson County and are excited to have him provide some of his leadership to all of our state,” Spangler added.
