Sheriff Jim Hammond, former HCSO Deputy Chief Richard Thurman, Deputy Chief Charles Lowery, Jr., and Sergeant Charles Lowery III
Sheriff Jim Hammond, former HCSO Deputy Chief Richard Thurman, Deputy Chief Charles Lowery, Jr., Mrs. Patricia Lowery, Sergeant Charles Lowery, III, and daughter, LaTrisha Lowery
Corrections Sergeant Charles Lowery, III, Deputy Chief Charles Lowery, Jr., and former HCSO Deputy Chief Richard Thurman
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond and the HCSO Command Staff officially promoted Captain Charles Lowery, Jr., to the rank of Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement on Thursday. On hand for the ceremony was Deputy Chief Lowery’s wife, Patricia, son, Corrections Sergeant Charles Lowery III, his daughter, LaTrisha Lowery, and long-time family friends Jamichael Jordan, and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Corbin.
In recognition of Deputy Chief Lowery’s promotion, numerous law enforcement personnel attended the ceremony in support from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga Police Department, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
One very special person in the audience was Chief Deputy Lowery’s long-time friend and mentor, retired HCSO Deputy Chief, Richard Thurman, Jr., who served as the first African American Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement in the 199 years of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Chief Thurman is also the Godfather of Corrections Sergeant Charles Lowery III.
Deputy Chief Lowery is a 41 year veteran of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. As Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement he will be responsible for commanding the day to day operations of the law enforcement arm of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. This includes the Uniformed Services Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Operational Support Division, Court Security Division, and the Civil Process Division.
During his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Lowery has served in numerous capacities within the HCSO including positions in the School Resource Officer Division, Traffic Division, Patrol Division, and Training Division. Furthermore, Deputy Chief Lowery has the distinction of not only being the very first School Resource Officer (SRO) in Hamilton County, but the first African American School Resource Officer. He was also the first African American to be hired by the HCSO with a college degree as well as the first African American Motorcycle Traffic Investigator.
“Deputy Chief Lowery is a man who has dedicated his entire career to law enforcement and keeping the people of Hamilton County safe,” said Sheriff Hammond. “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.” he further noted.
Deputy Chief Lowery is married to Patricia Lowery, his wife of 42 years, and together, they have three children, Kimberly, LaTrisha, and Charles III. Deputy Chief Lowery’s son, Charles, III, serves as a Sergeant in the HCSO Corrections Division and is following in his father’s footsteps.
“I am truly honored by this opportunity to serve as Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. 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,” said Deputy Chief Lowery. “I am also very thankful to have my family and friends, along with my mentor, former Deputy Chief Richard Thurman, here to celebrate this occasion with me.”
Deputy Chief Lowery has five grandchildren and is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University.