Clarksville TN – The Montgomery County Commission selected John Fuson as the new Sheriff of Montgomery County at last nights commission meeting. In a 12-7 vote, Fuson was chosen over four other candidates, including Larry Lewis, the son of the late Sheriff, Norman Lewis. It took two votes of the commission to reach a decision.
In an informal telephone poll prior to last nights meeting, Clarksville Online asked County Commissioners who their choice would be, and Fuson and Lewis were the two candidates that received the most support. Commissioners spoke “off the record” to Clarksville Online prior to last night’s meeting. It appeared that it would be a close vote.
Fuson will now serve the remainder of Norman Lewis’ term, through 2014, then will likely run for the office as the incumbent.
Fuson is a corporal and a field training officer with the Sheriff’s office, and says he plans to bring more “openness” to the department, and present new ideas to accomplish his goals. According to sources within the department, both Fuson and Lewis had indicated that they might “shake things up” if necessary to run the department.
All of the candidates brought distinguished resume’s in law enforcement to the job. Larry Lewis, with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tyler Barrett, a detective with the Clarksville Police Department, Orville Lewis Sr with the Sheriff’s office, and FBI agent Brett Murray.
Fuson resigned his county commission seat and was sworn in at last night’s meeting by Mayor Carolyn Bowers.