Veteran Hancock County deputy tapped as interim sheriff. ‘It’s been a whirlwind.’
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- Board of Supervisors appointed Johnny Alison after Ricky Adam’s retirement.
- Alison brings 27 years in law enforcement, including 20 years in Hancock County.
- Alison will serve until a special election.
The Hancock County Board of Supervisors on Thursday appointed longtime sheriff’s deputy Johnny Alison to serve as interim sheriff.
The appointment follows the announcement by Hancock County Sheriff Ricky Adam that he will retire midway through his fourth term, citing health concerns.
“Serving this county has never been just a job to me; it has been an honor,” Adam said in his resignation letter. “From the first day I took office, my commitment was to protect this community, uphold the law with integrity, and serve every citizen with fairness and respect.
“Together with the dedicated men and women of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, we have worked tirelessly to keep our county safe, strengthen trust within our community, and make advancements within the Sheriff’s Office to better serve the public.”
Adam’s decision comes after more than two decades of public service, first as a Justice Court judge and later as sheriff.
“I am deeply grateful to the citizens who placed their confidence in me, to the deputies and staff who stood beside me day and night, and to my family for their unwavering support and sacrifice,” he said. “The success achieved during my tenure belongs to the entire Sheriff’s Office and this community that supported us along the way. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is a special place, filled with strong values, resilient people, and a deep sense of pride.”
Adam said he is confident those remaining at the Sheriff’s Office will continue the department’s long-standing commitment to service and professionalism.
Alison brings 27 years of law enforcement experience to the role, including the past 20 years with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, where he most recently served as patrol commander.
Prior to serving in Hancock County, Alison served as a law enforcement officer in Picayune and Waveland, working in just about every role, from patrols, to narcotics and more.
Alison said he hit the ground running shortly after his appointment Thursday morning.
“Well, it’s been a whirlwind,” he said. “It was pretty quick and very unexpected. I was honored to work for the sheriff, and I’ve worked in law enforcement for 27 years, and I’ve worked in many roles in the sheriff’s office.”
Alison said he was honored the Board of Supervisors bestowed on him the honor of serving as interim sheriff. Allison will serve in the post until a special election.
