By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—At Monday’s Henry County Commission meeting, Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew announced his resignation to accept a position as Director of Public Safety for the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Belew was emotional as he read his letter of resignation, dedicating his 14 years of service “to the memory of my father and the next 14 plus years to my family and a very special young man, Steel Bramlett, my new grandson.”
Belew begins his new position at UT Martin Tuesday morning as the campus begins its new school year.
Belew said, “I come to you tonight with a lump in my throat and also very excited about the future. After much prayer and thought, I have accepted the new position.”
Belew’s resignation is effective immediately and Chief Deputy Damon Lowe will serve in the capacity of sheriff until the November election. The County Election Commission is holding a special meeting Tuesday afternoon and will place the vacancy on the November ballot. Candidate petitions will be available for those interested.
“I have been blessed to be your Sheriff for the past 14 years and I have given my heart and soul to HCSO,” Belew said. “I think we’ve helped a lot of Henry Countians and developed into one of the most progressive sheriff’s offices in the state.”
The credit, he said, “belongs to the hard working and dedicated men and women of the HCSO. I am so proud to have been a small part of it. I know without a doubt that the candidates that are running for Sheriff are qualified, experienced and will take the Sheriff’s office to a new level.”
Belew said, “I’ve always been told to keep the order of God, Family and Job. I haven’t always done that and I apologize for that. I am extremely excited about this new opportunity and will miss Henry County as I move to UT Martin.”
Belew said his resignation was presented “with a heavy heart. I’m just thankful to have been a part of the Henry Co. Sheriff’s Office for 14 years. They were good memories and I look forward to plenty more. I love you all.”
Belew received a standing ovation from the commission and the several visitors at the meeting which included his wife, Cori; Chief Deputy Lowe, members of the sheriff’s office, County Mayor candidates John Penn Ridgeway and Tim Wirgau and others.
County Mayor Brent Greer voiced his appreciation for the job Belew has performed as Sheriff and he and several commissioners voiced their regret at his resignation.
Sheriff Belew shares a moment with Chief Deputy Damon Lowe as Commissioner Drew Williams waits in line to bid him farewell.
Top Photo: Sheriff Monte is emotional as he announces his resignation, as Commissioner James Travis and County Mayor Brent Greer listen.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin.