Loudon names new chief deputies
Hugh G. Willett news-herald.net
 
The City of Loudon has named the first chief deputies for the Fire and Police Departments.

The Public Safety Department was reorganized earlier this year concurrent with the retirement of Police Chief James “Bear” Webb and the appointment of Fire Chief Mike Brubaker to the newly created position of Director of Public Safety.

Bill Geames, county commissioner representing the 1st District, has been appointed deputy chief of the Fire Department. Sam Harrison, 2022 Loudon Police Officer of the Year, has been appointed deputy chief of the Police Department.

Brubaker said the Loudon police and fire departments offered a number of very qualified candidates from which to choose the new leaders. He said he feels he selected the best for the job.

“I feel we choose the right candidates at the right time,” he said.

He said that Geames has been a big asset for the fire department during his more than 20 years of service. During his seven years as captain, Geames demonstrated consistently strong leadership and was very effective and efficient.

“He also has great relationships with those in the department and in the community,” Brubaker said.

Sam Harrison has a great deal of law enforcement experience beginning in organizations such as TVA and the University of Tennessee and continuing on through his more than 20 years working for the Loudon Police Department. Harrison has served as a field training officer and as an evidence custodian.

“He’s just a great guy that is extremely professional and whom everyone respects,” Brubaker said.

Both men are also very involved in the community. Geames is involved in coaching baseball and softball and Harrison is a head soccer coach, Brubaker said.

Brubaker said he is excited for the city and expects to see great achievements from both men and their departments.

Loudon City Manager Ty Ross said the reorganization and appointment of new chief deputies will bring to fruition the purpose and goals of the public safety reorganization.

“This will assist our public safety department as a whole with things like long-term decision making and public policy development,” he said.

Loudon Mayor Jeff Harris said he wanted to congratulate both new deputies and commend them for their years of dedicated service to the community. He said both were highly qualified and well prepared to serve in their new roles. He also thanked the university of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service for their assistance in the process.

Geames said he was honored to be appointed to the position of deputy chief and eager to get to work. He said one of the biggest changes he will have to get used to is the switch from his regular 24-hours-on shift as a firefighter to more regular daily office hours.

Harrison said he was honored to be chosen for the job and excited to serve the people of Loudon.

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10/17/22