Our History
Our Story
The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association (TSA) was officially founded and chartered on March 22, 1971, by the Tennessee Secretary of State, Joe Carr. Its first office was located in Nashville at 1729 Glenn Echo Road.
The formation of the Association came in response to a national effort recommending stronger state and local involvement in criminal justice policy, led by President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals.
Prior to TSA’s establishment, Tennessee legislators and law enforcement leaders collaborated to create statewide minimum hiring standards for officers, including testing, background checks, and psychological evaluations. Sheriffs from counties such as Davidson, Blount, Knox, Hamilton, and Shelby were instrumental in advancing these laws between 1969 and 1971.
Over time, additional requirements related to training and professionalism continued to advance, including major revisions approved in 1983.
Leadership and Long-Serving Sheriffs
Neal & Troy Klyce
Crockett County (father-son leadership legacy)
Daron Hall
Davidson County’s longest-serving sheriff upon completing his fifth term
James “Jimbo” Berrong
Blount County’s longest-serving sheriff
Tim Fuller
Franklin County, longtime TSA and national leadership contributor
A Role Rooted in American History
The office of sheriff in Tennessee predates statehood. It was first recognized in 1772 and later affirmed in the Tennessee Constitution of 1796 — and has remained a constitutional office in every state constitution since. More than 4,155 men and 28 women have served as sheriffs in Tennessee’s history.
The role traces back even further to medieval England, making sheriffs one of the oldest non-military law enforcement institutions in the world.
Davidson County established its Sheriff’s Office in 1783, followed soon after by Knox, Blount, Washington, Robertson, Sevier, and McMinn counties, all playing crucial roles in early frontier law enforcement. Sheriffs served as peacekeepers, jail administrators, tax collectors, and public safety leaders as communities developed. Their duties continue to be grounded in both statute and common law.
Sheriffs Making the Ultimate Sacrifice
The history of Tennessee law enforcement includes powerful stories of heroism. Sheriffs from Grainger, Campbell, Hamilton, Humphreys, Bradley, Bledsoe, Robertson, Anderson, and DeKalb Counties tragically lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting their communities — some as early as the mid-1800s.
These sacrifices remain a solemn reminder of the risks each sheriff faces when sworn into service.
Modern Leadership and Commitment to Professional Excellence
Establishing required minimum compensation and county funding support in 2001
Creating mandatory training programs for all newly elected sheriffs in 2006
Partnering with mental health agencies to improve humane transport procedures
Developing “Evidence-Based Jail” training and best-practice jail administration programs
Continuing a Tradition of Public Service
The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association continues to advocate for professional excellence, enhance training programs, and modernize safety standards. It serves as a vital resource for sheriffs facing evolving challenges in law enforcement, corrections, mental health response, and community service.
For more than 250 years, Tennessee sheriffs have faithfully protected their communities — and the TSA proudly supports them as they uphold one of our nation’s oldest public trust institutions.
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