Commission honors retiring detective
Detective Jeffrey Neal Gilliam addresses the Anderson County Commission after receiving a resolution honoring his career. (photo:Ben Pounds )
At its July 20 meeting, the County Commission approved a resolution honoring him, declaring “Jeffrey Neal Gilliam Day.”
Coworkers and family were there to wish him well.
“I love my job,” he said after receiving the resolution. “I hate to retire. But when it’s time, it’s time.”
Gilliam served with the Sheriff’s Office in different roles from 1997-1999 and 2008-2026.
The resolution also honored his service in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1981 through 1986, and the Army Reserves Corps from October 1986 through January 1989.
“Detective Gilliam has faithfully and honorably served the citizens of our community through his military service and his long and distinguished career in law enforcement, leaving behind a legacy of honor, courage and commitment,” the resolution stated.
County Commissioner and Sheriff’s Deputy Shain Vowell said he met Gilliam in 1998.
“Jeff quickly became the type of deputy sheriff that I wanted to be,” Vowell said.
“I saw the way that he did the job, and he just wasn’t afraid of anything,” Vowell said.
Sheriff Russell Barker said he’d miss having Gilliam on his force.
“Honestly, [he is] one of the best police officers ever,” he said.
Gilliam also currently is a Rocky Top city councilman
