Sheriff Jeff Hughes 2024 swearing in

Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Hughes takes the oath of office at the March 11, 2024, Williamson County Commission meeting following his March 5 primary win.

 Matt Masters

Former Brentwood Police Chief Jeff Hughes was officially sworn in as sheriff during Monday night's Williamson County Commission meeting.

Hughes defeated Williamson County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Mark Elrod in the March 5 primary election. Until Monday night, Elrod had been serving as sheriff in an interim position by default following the retirement of former Sheriff Dusty Rhoades at the start of 2024.

The county commission had previously deferred a vote to name an appointed interim sheriff among the candidates until after the election, with the commission unanimously voting to appoint Hughes on Monday, while his elected term will begin on Sept. 1.

“I am honored and humbled to receive your vote tonight,” Hughes told the commission after taking the oath of office, which was administered by Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson.

“This is such a tremendous opportunity for me to serve the citizens of Williamson County,” Hughes continued, promising to “do the very best job that I possibly can to fulfill the role of Sheriff of Williamson County.”

Hughes also thanked his “friend Mark Elrod,” as well as his “friend Darren Barnes,” both of whom ran against Hughes for the position.

Mark Elrod 2024

Law enforcement officials clap in acknowledgement of the service of WCSO Chief Deputy Mark Elrod (left) during the March 11, 2024, Williamson County Commission meeting.

“Who [each] ran a great campaign,” Hughes said. “It wasn't easy, and I know what we all went through, and so I want to congratulate them as well.”

Hughes told The News that he will spend the coming days and weeks leading a “comprehensive review of some of the processes, policies, procedures, practices” of WCSO.

“It’s all of our organization, not just mine, as I assume this role, and I want it to be a collaborative effort going forward, and working together toward a common mission, with common goals and objectives,” Hughes said.

While Elrod previously told The News that he would be retiring following his election loss, Hughes confirmed on Monday that Elrod will continue to serve with WCSO at his current rank at least through the summer.

“He and I have had a very good conversation about what our goals and objectives are and I look forward to working with him starting first thing in the morning,” Hughes said.