Department of Safety and Homeland Security Announces Jeff Long as Commissioner

NASHVILLE- The Department of Safety and Homeland Security is proud to announce Jeff Long as the new Commissioner.  Commissioner Jeff Long, former Sheriff of Williamson County, was sworn into office today by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.  Commissioner Long officially takes office January 19, 2019. 

Commissioner Long has a distinguished law enforcement and criminal justice background.  He was elected Sheriff of Williamson County in August 2008. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He received a Doctorate of Jurisprudence Degree from Nashville School of Law. He has served in the criminal justice field for the past 44 years as an Assistant District Attorney for the 21st Judicial District, Special Agent in Charge with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Investigator for the 21st Judicial District, Arson Investigator with the Tennessee Fire Marshall’s Office, Captain with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Hospital Police Officer with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

“I am very honored and humbled to be given this opportunity to join the department as Commissioner,” Commissioner Jeff Long said.  “Governor Lee has put great faith in me to lead the department and carry out the public safety priorities of the new administration.  I will do everything in my power to maintain the integrity and professionalism of the department while continuing to ensure the security and safety of all Tennesseans.”

Throughout his career, Commissioner Long has received special acknowledgements including the Task Force Against Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Award, John Marshall American Inns of Court, Master Hall of Fame Morris Heithcock Lodge 41 FOP award, and Commendation from FBI Director Williams S. Sessions. He was also awarded the Nashville Business Journal, Williamson County 2013 Impact Award, the 2013 Law Enforcement of the Year by the Williamson County Bar Association, the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal, and the 2013 Tennessee Sheriff of the Year Award.

Commissioner also had the honor of serving on the Dignitary Protection Detail for Presidents Reagan, Clinton, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush and Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth.  He is past president of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association, a current member of the National Sheriffs’ Association and current member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).  In 2014, Governor Bill Haslam appointed Sheriff Long to the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.

Commissioner Long is married to Dora Long and they have two children, Julie & Justin and five grandchildren. They have resided in Williamson County for 44 years. Commissioner Long and Dora are members of Franklin First United Methodist Church. 

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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