MICHAEL R. HODGES, JR.

Sevier County Sheriff

Sheriff Michael R. Hodges, Jr. has served with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office for over twenty two years. In 2022, the citizens of Sevier County elected him to serve as their Sheriff after he spent seven years overseeing the daily operations of the agency as Chief Deputy. Throughout his career, Sheriff Hodges has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service, leadership, and continuous improvement in law enforcement.

After graduating from high school in 1991, Sheriff Hodges enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served in Security Forces and USAF Law Enforcement for more than nine years. While in the Air Force, he deployed to Saudi Arabia twice and South Korea once in support of international peacekeeping efforts, including operations related to Desert Storm. He earned several commendations for exemplary service, including the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, three Air Force Achievement Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. He was also recognized with the Leadership Award at Airman Leadership School. He received an honorable discharge in 2000 and returned home to continue his service in civilian law enforcement.

That same year, he joined the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Deputy. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his work ethic and commitment to excellence. In 2003, he developed the agency’s first Field Training Officer program, and in 2004 and 2005 was promoted to Corporal and Sergeant, respectively. In 2006, he graduated from the Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy through the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 2008, he helped form the Sevier County Special Operations Response Team and later completed SWAT training with the Knoxville Police Department. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2010 and served as Director of Training, developing a POST approved in-service training program. That same year, he was promoted to Captain and served four years as Patrol Commander before becoming Chief Deputy of Law Enforcement Services in 2014.

Sheriff Hodges holds an Associate of Applied Science in Public Safety and Law Enforcement from Walters State Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bethel University, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, also from Bethel University. He believes strongly in the importance of education, training, and innovation as tools for effective leadership in law enforcement.

Over his more than two decades with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, he has served in or overseen nearly every division of the department, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Training, SORT, Court Security, Communications, Animal Control, and many others. He has worked closely with the Sevier County Mayor’s Office and County Commission to manage and oversee the department’s multi-million dollar annual budget.

In addition to his professional service, Sheriff Hodges remains deeply involved in the community. He serves on numerous local boards and committees, including the Local Emergency Planning Committee, Emergency Food and Shelter Committee, and the Sevier County Food Ministry Steering Committee. He is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Keep Sevier Beautiful, a member of the Board of Directors for the Smoky Mountain Boys and Girls Club, and a 2015 graduate of Leadership Sevier. He is also an active member of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association Smoky Mountain Chapter, the French Broad Lodge Number 588 F and A Masons, and serves as Security Committee Chairman and Deacon at First Baptist Church of Gatlinburg.

Sheriff Michael Hodges brings a proven record of leadership, service, and dedication to the people of Sevier County. His experience, education, and commitment to integrity continue to guide his mission of protecting and serving the community.