By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–After the swearing in of Sheriff-elect John Samaniego on Jan. 10, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will see significant personnel changes and promotions in the coming weeks according to a Shelby County Sheriff’s Office press release.

Some of the promotions include Captain Chris George, Captain Ken Burchfield, Lieutenant Kevin Turner and Lieutenant Mike Hudson who all have served Shelby County at least 10 or more years.

George has been promoted to the rank of Chief Deputy. He has been serving Shelby County since April of 1997. Burchfield has been promoted to the rank of Major. He has been serving Shelby County since December of 2003. Turner has been promoted to the rank of Captain. He has been serving Shelby County since April of 1997. Hudson has been promoted to the rank of Captain. He has been serving Shelby County since April of 1994.

Sheriff Samaniego commended the officers on their hard work and past performance.

“Each of these appointments will only improve the effectiveness of the Sheriff’s Office in its service to our residents and visitors,” Samaniego said in a statement released through the sheriff’s office. “All of these promotional candidates have distinguished themselves through past performance, formal education, professional development and their dedication to our mission.”

The promotions will become effective on Jan. 20. Additional personnel changes and promotions will be announced at a later date according to the press release.