09/02/2026
Gibson County, thank you.
At midnight I was truly honored to become your new Sheriff and we are finishing up our first day. I know it’s late, but I wanted to take a minute to share with you.
You placed something in my hands that belongs to you: the safety of your neighborhoods, your schools, and your families. I do not take that lightly, and I intend to earn your confidence every day I wear this badge.
This morning, with my family and friends beside me, the Honorable Judge Clayburn Peeples of the 28th Judicial Circuit Court administered my oath of office. It was a special occasion for all of us.
Tonight, the same thing happened for the rest of our team. The Honorable Judge Bradley Owens, Gibson County General Sessions Judge, swore in every corrections officer and every sworn deputy in this department. Standing in that room and hearing all of us take the same oath, at the same time, is something I will not forget.
I also want you to meet the people who will help lead this office:
As of today, Rob Harrison steps in as Chief Deputy.
Commander Rich Bentley will oversee Patrol, our School Resource Officers, and our Court Deputies.
Rich Williams will serve as Chief of Staff.
Sherry Jo Smith, who has given years of faithful service to this county, will serve as our Chief Financial Officer.
Steve Webb joins us as Chief Investigator over the Criminal Investigation Division.
Finally, Kevin Lane has been appointed the jail administrator responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, facility security, staff/inmate safety, and correction officer training.
Together, these leaders bring hundreds of years of law enforcement experience to Gibson County. And to every deputy, officer, dispatcher, and staff member - as I said in our joint staff meeting tonight - you have a job here, and I am glad you are on this team.
The work starts now keeping the promises we made during this campaign. We will never stop working hard for you, because you deserve the very best law enforcement professionals protecting your loved ones.
If you need us, we’ll be there for you. Thank you for your support.
Sheriff Rodney Wright
Gibson County Sheriff's Office
