After a dedicated quarter-century of service to the Blount County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and the community, Investigator Kelly Hoard is starting a new chapter in life, leaving behind an illustrious career in law enforcement. The BCSO paid tribute to Hoard's commitment and achievements in a touching retirement send-off. Throughout his tenure, Hoard has played a pivotal role in various departments, particularly focusing on the crucial efforts of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force and later championing the responsibilities of a Sex Offender Registry investigator.
Starting his journey with the BCSO in the year 2000, Investigator Hoard took the oath to serve and protect, graduating from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2001. His skills were then honed within the Technology division, providing essential support in the battle against narcotics and Internet-based crimes against children. According to BCSO's social media post, a significant shift in his career occurred in 2014 when he transitioned to Criminal Investigations, culminating in his final role as a full-time investigator for the Sex Offender Registry by 2019.
The path to retirement has not been without its trials for Hoard. A few years back, he confronted a personal battle with cancer. Demonstrating immense resilience, he continued to serve the community even while undergoing treatment, never letting his health struggles interfere with his professional duties. Sheriff James Lee Berrong expressed his admiration for Hoard's tenacity, saying, “Investigator Hoard has been a great asset to the Sheriff’s Office and to the citizens of Blount County,” as per the BCSO's announcement. The Sheriff also shared joyous news that Hoard has triumphed over the disease and is now cancer-free.
