A Distinguished Law Enforcement Career

Chris Hodges graduated from the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Academy in April 1999 at Hocking College, where he also earned his Associates of Applied Science Degree. His law enforcement journey began in the village of Fayetteville as an auxiliary police officer.  

In February 2002, Chris joined the Village of Mt. Orab. During his tenure with that department, Chris investigated a wide range of cases, from minor misdemeanors to homicides. He actively pursued advanced training in areas such as SWAT operations, hostage negotiations, first-line supervision, and master evidence technician certification. In July 2010, Chris achieved the rank of sergeant and assumed the role of road patrol supervisor for the department.  

In November 2016, Chris was chosen by Sheriff-Elect Gordon Ellis to serve as the new Chief Deputy of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. Taking office in January 2017, Chris has played a vital role in leading the department alongside Sheriff Ellis.  Together, they have focused on transforming the agency into a professional organization equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enhance service delivery to Brown County residents.

Notably, from May 2019 to May 2020, Chris stepped into the role of Acting Sheriff during Sheriff Ellis’ deployment as a Major General in the Arabian Peninsula, demonstrating his commitment to public service and the community.

He firmly believes that the public's best interests are upheld when law enforcement officers are well-led, well-prepared, and equipped with the latest tools and training. Over the course of seven years, significant efforts have been invested in transforming the office into a highly professional entity, dedicated to serving the county effectively. Chris emphasizes the importance of maintaining this momentum and continually innovating strategies to address evolving crime trends. Having successfully established a solid foundation, he is keenly focused on strategic planning for a promising future.