CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office hosted a retirement celebration Wednesday, Sept. 30 for Assistant Chief Douglas Tackett, is retiring after 40 years of service to Montgomery County and almost 30 years as jail administrator.
The gated parking area behind the Jail and Public Safety Complex was filled with Tackett’s family, deputies, other county personnel and well-wishers from the community and around the state.
Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson talked about Tackett’s years of service.
“There is much to say about a man who has dedicated his life to the service of others. Your caring spirit will live on for many years and decades to come. I want to thank you Doug Tackett for the many selfless years of service that you have provided to this agency and to our citizens,” said Fuson.
Tackett received a number of awards and honors.
“I just appreciate all the opportunities I’ve had, and it’s been such an honor to work there. I’m going to miss the people; I love people, I like being around people. It’s been a real honor to serve the citizens of Montgomery County,” Tackett said.
He started his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1980 as a jail deputy. In 1982, he was promoted to sergeant and in 1991 to lieutenant and Montgomery County Jail administrator. In 2000, he was promoted to captain and in 2012 to assistant chief.
Tackett holds the honor of being the longest serving jail administrator in Tennessee, and in 2018 he was recognized as Jail Administrator of the Year. Tackett has seen the jail staff grow from 11 sworn deputies to over 200 sworn deputies, clerks, and administrative staff.
From the parking lot, the celebration moved into a section of the old Montgomery County Jail, where Tackett received more accolades from many of the people who have worked with him over the last 40 years.