COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force recently announced that one of its lieutenants will assume temporary command of the agency for three months while current Cmdr. Clay Hammac is undergoing command-level leadership training.

On Monday, Oct. 2, Lt. Dennis Blackerby will take operational command for the duration of Hammac’s absence. According to a press release from the SCDETF, Blackerby has 22 years of experience with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office as a narcotics investigator, narcotics supervisor, patrol supervisor and training coordinator. He is currently a licensed helicopter pilot for the SCSO.

“I share in believing, with (Shelby County) Sheriff (John) Samaniego and the Board of Directors of the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force, that Blackerby will serve the community and remain faithful to the goals and missions of the Drug Enforcement Task Force,” Hammac said.

Hammac will attend the FBI National Academy’s 270^th session at the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. Once Hammac returns, he will re-assume his current position as SCDETF Commander.