Leading with Integrity & Grace
As we feature our A Southern Gentleman Is for this Gentlemen’s issue, we truly have a gentleman’s gentleman. A man that, every time I see him, has a look of poise, distinction and confidence, and he always offers a smile and firm handshake. I am proud to have Sheriff Dusty Rhoades talk with us about being Sheriff, what Williamson County means to him, advice for our younger generation and being a gentleman.
Sheriff Dusty Rhoades, who has lived in Williamson County for forty-five years, wanted to be in law enforcement as long as he can remember. He went to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and earned his BS in Criminal Justice Administration. Since starting with the Sheriff’s office in June of 1979, Sheriff Dusty Rhoades has led an accomplished career for over forty-four years, helping to prevent crimes, investigate criminal conduct arrest criminals. He considers it an honor to be the Sheriff of Williamson County.
What is the biggest obstacle that you have overcome in your years of law enforcement?
DR: Things ran relatively smooth until COVID hit. COVID sent the court system into havoc, and we had to devise alternatives for in person criminal hearings. In the beginning of COVID, we had to adjust the way our deputies made contact with the general public and with inmates. Transporting inmates or arrestees became tricky due to COVID in regard to keeping from infecting employees and others with the virus. COVID also made staffing difficult. In 2020, we started to struggle with staffing issues and are still struggling.
What do you feel are your biggest achievements in the workplace and personally?
DR: With work, being elected Sheriff; implementing the five-week Detention Training Academy (one of only five Sheriff’s office in Tennessee to have a Detention Academy); attaining Tennessee Chiefs of Police Accreditation for the field service division of the Sheriff’s office (one of only four Sheriff’s office in Tennessee); implementation of body worn cameras throughout the Sheriff’s office; the issuance of less lethal alternatives to deputies; and the formations of a Crisis Intervention team. Personally, raising a family; being happily married to my wife of forty-five years, graduating from college; and graduating from the FBI Academy (Session 178).
What motivates you every day to continue serving as the Sheriff of Williamson County?
DR: Serving others. I have loved this profession from the first time I put on the uniform.
What do you feel it is to be a Gentleman and how do you maintain the qualities in your life?
DR: Respecting everyone.
Do you have a motto you live by?
DR: “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” - Harry S. Truman
What advice would you give the younger generation today as well as what would you tell your younger self?
DR: For the younger generation, I would advise them not to give up on their dreams. If you want something bad enough, you will have to work for it. Regarding my younger self, I don’t think I would change anything.
Are there changes for the sheriff’s office you would like to see happen?
DR: No one wants to build a new jail/sheriff’s office, but it is something that needs to happen. The current facility is over thirty years old and is worn out. With the projected population growth of Williamson County and the middle Tennessee region, if a bigger facility is not built in the future, we will have an overcrowding issue.
My brother-in-law, Daniel Robertson, has been with Williamson County Sheriff’s Office for twenty years. So, I asked Daniel how he would describe Sheriff Rhoades. Daniel’s response: “I started with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office in May of 2004. Chief Rhoades was my initial interview, way back then, and that was for the corrections division. I quickly transferred out of this division to courts, and now the warrants division. Sheriff Rhoades has always been a constant and instrumental figure in my time at Williamson County Sherriff’s Office, either as Chief or Sheriff. He is always encouraging and supportive of his deputies and Sheriff’s office as a whole. Sheriff Rhoades is a truly wonderful asset and Williamson County is very lucky to have someone in command of that top law enforcement position. Not only in the true vast amount of experience, but wonderful leadership and impeccable character and service Sheriff Rhoades displays. I personally am fortunate, as all employees of WCSO should be, to be able to work with and under such a remarkable man – along with the leadership and values he instills in this county. Sheriff Rhoades is an excellent choice for A Southern Gentleman Is.”
Thank you for all you do, Sheriff Rhoades. My family and this community are thankful you are here. We sleep better at night. You are a true southern gentleman, indeed.
