Sheriff Steve Hopper Announces His Candidacy for Re-election

March 15, 2022

I, Sheriff Steve Hopper would like to announce my candidacy for re-election. I am a 1978 graduate of Smith County High School. My wife Donna (Nesbitt) and I live in the Riddleton Community. My parents are Mary Lou and Dale Roberts and the late Charles Hopper. Donna’s parents are Jan and Roger Fisher and the late Philip Nesbitt. Together we have four children Michael, Stephanie and her husband Craig West, Charlie, Joel and Jessica Lafferty and five grandchildren.

My commitment to serving the citizens of Smith County began in the early 1980’s when I became a member of the Smith County Rescue Squad and served as treasurer for several years. I am also a member of the Central District Volunteer Fire Department and served as the Fire Chief until 2020. I also worked at the Smith County Ambulance Service as a paramedic.

I began my law enforcement career in 1995 with Carthage Police Department as a patrol officer. I graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 1996. During my career with Carthage P.D. I was promoted to Sergeant and in 2003 promoted to Chief of Police. While employed with Carthage P.D. I received numerous specialized certifications and served as Chief of Police until elected Sheriff in 2010.

I currently serve on the Finance committee for the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the 15th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. I am also a member of the Smith County Adult Leadership Class of 2014 and a retired member of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.

The years serving as your Sheriff has been an honor and a privilege. Along with an amazing staff, I have strived to promote honesty, integrity, and professionalism throughout all operations of this very important office while upholding the laws of the State of Tennessee and the Constitution of the United States. My staff and I work hard to stay within the budgets that the County commissioners set for the Sheriff’s Office. Looking back to the fiscal year 2015-2016 budget year up through fiscal year 2019-2020 more than one million dollars has been returned to the County general fund that we did not spend.

There are many duties that must be taken care on a daily basis while striving to make Smith County a better and safer place to live, work, and raise our families. If re-elected, I will continue to conduct the Office of Sheriff in a manner that serves all Smith County residents fairly and equally.

I will do my best to see as many of you as possible and if I happen to not see you personally, please let me take this opportunity to humbly ask for your vote and support in the May 3, 2022, Republican primary.