New Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force commander appointed

Lt. Clay Hammac will soon be commander of the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Sheriff John Samaniego announced the appointment on Sept. 3, and Hammac’s new position is effective Sept. 11. Hammac has worked in patrol, criminal investigations, the U.S. Secret Service Task Force, crisis negotiations, project lifesaver and administration and media relations in his 11 years with the Sheriff’s Office.

“There is certainly a legacy of excellence with the Drug Task Froce,” Hammac said. “Shelby County is fortunate to have a team of highly trained and motivated investigators assigned to this task force, and I consider it a privilege to work alongside them.”

Hammac said he looks forward to working with partnering and neighboring agencies to educate the public about drug abuse and addiction as well as pursuing channels of drug distribution in Shelby County. Samaniego said the drug task force is a vital segment of the Sheriff’s Office.

“Having served more than 20 years in narcotics, I recognize the negative impact that drug abuse and addiction has on families and young adults,” Samaniego said. “This is a vital role within our agency and I look forward to continuing to support the mission of our Drug Task Force, along with our partnering agencies.”

Former commander Capt. Kevin Turner, who served for four years, is attending the FBI National Academy in October and will return to assume command of the Criminal Investigations Division.