GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Chief Superior Court Judge Jason Deal has appointed Hall County Sheriff’s Office Major Chris Matthews as interim sheriff following the suspension of Sheriff Gerald Couch.
The appointment comes after Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Couch for 60 days on Tuesday.
Deal administered the oath of office to Matthews at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Hall County Courthouse. Matthews immediately assumed all duties and responsibilities of the sheriff’s office, officials said.
Before swearing him in, Deal explained the legal requirements for appointing an interim sheriff during a suspension. Chief Deputy Kevin Head was not eligible to assume the role because he does not reside in Hall County. Head will continue serving as chief deputy.
Matthews has led the agency’s Administrative Bureau since 2017. He joined the Hall County Sheriff’s Office in 1984 and is the longest-serving sworn officer in the department.
Over his career, Matthews has served as a jailer, deputy, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and major. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2005 and has also served on the agency’s SWAT team and Honor Guard.
He played a key role in developing the Sheriff’s Office Christmas Bicycle Program and the Citizens Academy.
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, members of the command staff expressed full support for Matthews’ appointment and said they will work closely with him as the agency continues normal operations during the suspension period.
