Following Tuesday’s suspension of Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch, Maj. Chris Matthews has been named temporary sheriff by Chief Superior Court Judge Jason Deal. Matthews was sworn in Wednesday morning to serve during the suspension period and assumes all duties and responsibilities of
the sheriff’s office immediately.
Couch was suspended for 60 days Monday by Gov. Kemp following his arrest a few weeks ago on DUI and related charges. The governor’s action follows a recommendation from a three-member committee of law enforcement authorities he had appointed earlier. Kemp has the option of extending the suspension for up to 30 days.
Prior to administering the oath of office, Judge Deal explained the requirements of appointing
an interim under the conditions of a suspension, noting that Chief Deputy Kevin Head, who had been in charge of the department since Couch’s arrest, was ineligible to assume the office because he does not live in Hall County. Head will continue his duties as Chief Deputy. Matthews currently serves as the Major of the Administrative Bureau, a position he has held since 2017.
Employed by HCSO in 1984, Matthews is the longest-serving sworn officer in the
agency. During his career, he has held the rank of jailer, deputy, sergeant, lieutenant, captain
and major. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2005. Matthews has served on the
agency’s SWAT team and Honor Guard. Matthews was the primary developer and coordinator
of both the Sheriff’s Office Christmas Bicycle Program and Citizens Academy.