Author: Brian Vandiver

Notice of Firearms Auction

Posted on by Brian Vandiver

In accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1317, the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of confiscated firearms. Interested parties are required to possess a Federal Firearms License.

A detailed list of firearms can be obtained at the Hardeman County Mayor’s Office or by clicking here. The deadline for acceptance of sealed bids is July 27, 2026 at 12:00 noon. Sealed bids must be submitted to the Hardeman County Mayor’s Office located at 100 N. Main St., Bolivar, TN 38008 by the aforementioned deadline.

Firearms to be auctioned can be viewed by appointment at the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office located at 505 S. Main St., Suite B, Bolivar, TN 38008, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Contact Lt. Mike Kennamore at (731) 228-3006 or Chief Billy Davis at (731) 228-3002 to schedule an appointment. The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to refuse any and all bids.

Enhancing Public Safety Through Training

Posted on by Brian Vandiver

Congratulations to two of our staff members, Facility Security Officer Ashley Jones and Nurse Rachel Thomas, on successfully completing Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training.This specialized training equips our personnel with the skills needed to effectively respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises, with a focus on de-escalation, communication, and connecting people to appropriate resources.We are proud of their dedication to continued training and their commitment to serving our community with professionalism, compassion, and care.

Recognize Common Signs of Contractor Fraud

Posted on by Brian Vandiver

Due to the recent storms and damages that Hardeman County residents received, we want everyone to be aware of contractor fraud.

Be wary when contractors:

  • Claim to be approved by FEMA or other agencies
  • Come from out-of-state, especially after a catastrophe
  • Require upfront payment to schedule work
  • Offer unsolicited services
  • Pressure to quickly sign electronic documents

Newly Appointed General Session Judge

Posted on by Brian Vandiver
Pictured left to right: Chief Deputy Billy Davis, Jail Administrator Leonard Brown, Lt. Trina Smith, Judge Harriet Thompson, Sheriff John Doolen, Lt. Brian Vandiver, Lt. Mike Kennamore

On April 1, 2024, Hardeman County swore in a new General Sessions Judge, Harriet Thompson. Judge Thompson is Hardeman County’s first female General Sessions Judge. Judge Boyette Denton retired before finishing his term and the County Commission appointed Ms. Thompson to serve as the General Sessions Judge until the August election, when the voters will elect a candidate to fill the remainder of Judge Denton’s term.

CJC Dress Code

Posted on by Brian Vandiver

Effective immediately, any persons entering the Criminal Justice Complex shall adhere to Rule 4 of the Local Rules of Practice, General Sessions Court, Civil and Criminal, of Hardeman County, TN.

Rule 4 (B) All participants, witnesses, visitors, and spectators shall conform to strict standards of decency, dignity, etiquette, and propriety.

Rule 4 (C) Provides for all to be DRESSED APPROPRIATELY.

The following attire is considered INAPPROPRIATE:

  • Shorts
  • Halter Tops
  • Bare midriffs (cut off shirts)
  • See through attire
  • Muscle shirts
  • Tank tops
  • Clothing with obscenities

NO CLOTHING SHALL BE ALLOWED THAT EXPOSES UNDERGARMENTS OR ANY INTIMATE BODY PART.

Persons not adhering to this rule will be denied entrance.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Renewing Our Commitment

Posted on by Brian Vandiver

A press conference was held today at the Criminal Justice Center in Hardeman County. The U.S. Attorney of the Western District of the State of Tennessee Michael Dunavant, along with Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-Memphis Division M. A. Myers, 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson, Special Agent in Charge TBI-West Tennessee John Simmons,, Sheriff John Doolen, along with others renew their commitment to solving the 21 year old murder of Michael Bell. There is still a $24,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the subject responsible. U.S. Attorney Dunavant announced new technology used by the FBI has allowed investigators to move closer to solving this case.

Church Safety Training

Posted on by Brian Vandiver

The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office is now conducting training for local churches. Captain Brian Vandiver put together a training program which includes active shooter training, along with other safety issues that churches may face. We encourage churches to be proactive and begin preparing for such events instead of being reactive. If you would like more information or to schedule training for your church, please contact Captain Brian Vandiver at (731) 228-3004 or bvandiver@hardemancountysheriff.org.

Fighting Against Opioid Overdoses

Posted on by Brian Vandiver
Crossing all socioeconomic barriers, addiction does not just affect the poverty stricken, homeless, or street junkie. With the addition of opioids like Fentanyl and Carfentil, people are dying daily across the state of Tennessee. Fentanyl can be trasmitted by inhalation, ingestion, or even absorbed through the skin therefore, just touching the drug can kill someone.
Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia. In order to prepare for possible opioid overdoses in the future, the Hardeman County Sheriff’s department took part in training to be able to receive Narcan (generic name is Naloxone), which is an opioid antagonist for opioid overdoses. All patrol cars are now equipped with these kits in an effort to reduce opioid overdose deaths.
The training was given on behalf of the State Targeted Response (STR) grant through the state of Tennessee.
This state grant allows for Narcan to be placed in the hands of our law enforcement, not only for their protection, but for the protection for the public.  If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and needs help, please call 1-800-889-9789.