Ric Whaley and family
Two longtime employees of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office were honored upon their retirement.
On hand for the celebration were numerous members of the Uniformed Services Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Support Service Division, and Corrections Divisions as well as members of the retirees’ family and friends.
Retirees included Detective Richard (Ric) Whaley (34 years of service) and Court Officer Clarence William Willhoit (17 years of service).
Sheriff Jim Hammond said, "Detective Whaley has served with honor and distinction in numerous capacities during his career with the HCSO including assignments in the Corrections, Uniformed Patrol, and Criminal Investigations Divisions.
"He is also one of the first members of the newly created HCSO Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Division."
Detective Whaley was joined by his wife, Kelli Whaley, and his mother and father, Wendell and Clara Whaley, and his sister LuAnn Whaley. Detective Whaley’s father is a retired U.S. Marshal.
"Officer Willhoit has served with honor and distinction in numerous capacities during his career with the HCSO in the Courts Division. He is a former Chattanooga Police Officer."
He was joined by his wife, Renee Willhoit, and his son, Jeremy Willhoit.
Sheriff Hammond said, “Each of these employees have shown outstanding professionalism and devotion to duty which has reflected great credit upon the HCSO and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
“Their commitment to the Sheriff’s Office has earned them the highest level of trust, loyalty, and dedication from those who have had the pleasure of working with them” he noted.As a gift from the Sheriff’s Office, each of the employees were given a HCSO blanket, Sheriff’s Association knife, and a framed commendation and challenge coin for their years of service to the HCSO."
Clarence Willhoit and family