FROM STAFF REPORTS

Sheriff John Samaniego announced a new commander of the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force on Sept. 3.

Effective Sept. 11, Lt. Clay Hammac will take command of the decade-old task force to lead a group of specially trained narcotics investigators.

Hammac relieves Capt. Kevin Turner, who served four years as head of the task force.

Turner will be attending the FBI National Academy in October, and upon his return will assume command of the Criminal Investigations Division.

Hammac is an 11-year veteran of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, where he has served in patrol, criminal investigations, the U.S. Secret Service Task Force, crisis negotiations, Project Lifesaver and most recently, administration and media relations.

Hammac holds an master’s in business administration with a concentration in Finance from Regis University, a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of South of Alabama, and has completed post-graduate course work in forensic accounting and fraud examination.

Previous Shelby County Task Force Commanders include Chief Deputy Chris George, Maj. Ken Burchfield, Turner and Lt. Cody Sumners.

“There is certainly a legacy of excellence with the Drug Task Force,” Hammac wrote in a statement. “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 of them. I look forward to working with our partnering and neighboring agencies to continue our mission of educating the public on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction, as well as aggressively pursuing the organized channels of drug distribution that impact Shelby County.”

“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 wrote. “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.”