Historic Appointment in Savannah, Georgia
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in Savannah, Georgia, has named McArthur Holmes as its first Black chief deputy in nearly 300 years. Sheriff Richard Coleman, who is also the county’s first Black sheriff, made the historic appointment.
Coleman praised Holmes for his lifelong commitment to law enforcement. “Chief Deputy Holmes’ promotion is a testament to his unwavering dedication, integrity, and commitment to serving the citizens of Chatham County,” Coleman said.
Holmes officially stepped into his new role during a pinning ceremony on September 23. At the event, he shared his gratitude. “The Lord has been good to me,” Holmes said.
Leadership and Partnership in the Sheriff’s Office
Holmes emphasized his commitment to working closely with Sheriff Coleman to strengthen the department. Together, they pledged to serve the community and raise the office to new standards.
The CCSO also celebrated the moment publicly. On its official Facebook page, the office wrote, “Join me in celebrating a historic moment as we congratulate Chief Deputy McArthur Holmes on becoming the first African-American Chief Deputy. Congratulations, Chief Holmes, we are proud of your achievement and look forward to your leadership and continued dedication.”
This milestone marks a new chapter for one of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agencies. Founded in 1732, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is the oldest sheriff’s department in Georgia.
Holmes’ Four Decades of Service
Holmes brings over 40 years of experience to his role as chief deputy. He spent 25 years in jail management, including a decade as jail administrator before retiring in 2013. In that role, he oversaw a multimillion-dollar renovation project to improve facilities.
A graduate of Savannah State University, Holmes has also been a strong advocate for mental health care in the justice system. He worked to ensure that people with mental health challenges received proper medical attention instead of being overlooked or left in jail without care.
His long career demonstrates his commitment to both public safety and human dignity. Holmes’ appointment is widely seen as recognition of that dedication.
Progress in Representation at the Sheriff’s Office
The appointment of Holmes follows another important milestone for the CCSO. Just last month, Major Nicole Scott-Bond, a Black woman, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. She became the highest-ranking female deputy in the department’s history.
These appointments highlight ongoing progress within the sheriff’s office toward inclusivity and representation. Sheriff Coleman’s leadership has opened new opportunities for historically underrepresented officers to rise through the ranks.
Together, Holmes and Scott-Bond stand as symbols of change in an institution nearly three centuries old. Their leadership reflects a commitment not just to law enforcement but also to building a sheriff’s office that mirrors the community it serves.
