Police chief’s brother retires

RUSSELLVILLE — Brothers Chris and Joe Hargett worked side by side in law enforcement for more than two decades.

Now, as Captain Joe Hargett retires from the Police Department after 26 years of service, Police Chief Chris Hargett says it feels like “losing part of the family.”

“It’s been enjoyable and I’m used to seeing him every day,” Chris said. “For me, it’s like losing part of the family.”

The chief said his brother joined the county sheriff’s department in 2000, serving as a drug investigator since 2009 and earning selection to the DEA Drug Task Force, a rare achievement for a local officer.

“He’s been a drug investigator a long time, and that’s a tough job,” Chris said. “He was good enough to join the DEA Drug Task Force, which is a big achievement for Franklin County.”

Chris praised Joe’s professionalism and reliability.

“It’s been reassuring having a family member alongside,” he said. “Not that I don’t trust others, but with Joe, I never had to worry about anything.”

He announced that Investigator J.P. Cantrell will now oversee both criminal and drug cases, saying “it’s taking two to replace Joe.”

Councilman Darren Woodruff spoke during Joe’s ceremony, calling the retirement a milestone.

“It’s an accomplishment for someone to retire healthy from the Police Department,” Woodruff said. “I have the utmost respect for all the officers. Things have definitely changed over the years.”

VFW Commander Randy Mancell also presented Joe with the 2025 Officer of the Year Award and a $25 check in appreciation of his service.

“It’s been an honor to serve under you, Joe,” Mancell said. “Your service and sacrifice are appreciated.”

Joe’s law enforcement career began with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked as a jailer and dispatcher before joining the Russellville Police Department in February 2005.

“My brother was in law enforcement,” Joe said. “I got to hear about it and see things that got me interested.”

After riding with deputies as a reserve, he attended the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department Academy, a 16-week program that launched his full-time patrol career. He later served as a K-9 officer with a Belgian Malinois named Bruno, who retired before passing away from cancer.

At Russellville, Joe advanced through the ranks from patrolman to patrol sergeant, investigations sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

During his time leading investigations, he helped coordinate a joint drug unit between the Russellville Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office under then-Sheriff Larry Oliver.

“Even if we were in Huntsville or Florence, everything still tied back to this area,” Joe said. “We were still making an impact here by targeting higherlevel offenders bringing drugs into the county.”

Joe said the most rewarding part of his career was helping others.

“Being able to help people,” he said. “Probably the DEA work was my favorite.”

He said it gave him a different perspective.

“We were going after the people who were bringing the drugs into this area. It helped cut that flow off.”

Officer Chad Sheffield, who joined the department in 2006, said Joe trained him from day one.

“I’d never been in law enforcement before,” Sheffield said. “Joe was my first and only training officer. I learned a lot from him — how to treat people the way I’d want to be treated.”

Sheffield said Joe’s example shaped his own career.

“While riding with Joe before the academy, I learned so much,” Sheffield said. “Around town, Joe was respected and well-liked, not just by the public but by other officers and supervisors. You couldn’t ask for a better trainer.”

Chris closed the ceremony with family reflections, thanking those who supported his brother through the years.

Bronwyn said she looks forward to that next chapter.

“I’m proud and excited for Joe,” she said. “We’re looking forward to more family time and being there for our kids’ activities.”

Joe said he’s grateful for every stage of his career and for the people he served alongside.

“It’s been a good career,” he said. “I’ve worked with a lot of good people. I’ve enjoyed it.”