Sheriff

Sheriff:

I am Gerald Corbell, your Shelby County Sheriff as of January 1st, 2025. I grew up in southern Shelby County in the Goober Hill Community. I graduated from Shelbyville High School and attended Panola Junior College. I applied and was accepted to the Texas Department of Public Safety Training Academy in Austin, Texas. I graduated from the DPS Academy June 5, 1974 and was stationed in Cleveland, Texas for three years. I transferred to Woodville for two years and finally moved back home to Shelby County. I was stationed in Center, Texas for thirty-two years. I currently have a Special Ranger Commission issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety and hold a Master Peace Officer Certificate. As Peace Officer, we are sworn to protect the laws, rights, privileges, and property of the people of the State of Texas; and we shouldn’t expect anything less. As the Sheriff I am responsible for the County Jail and also involved in civil process. As a conservator of the peace, I strive to support the common good and bring out the best in people. Also, as Sheriff I hope to recognize the dignity in others and be a role model and mentor for the younger generation of law enforcement officers.

 Chief Deputy:

 I am Mike Hanson and as of January 01, 2025, I am the Chief Deputy at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. I am originally from Rusk, Texas (Cherokee County) and first arrived in Shelby County in May of 1993. I came to Shelby County immediately following graduation from the Texas Game Warden Academy, in Austin, Texas. I have served as a Texas Game Warden, in Shelby County, for almost 20 years, which is the longest period of time that any game warden has continually served here. In late 2012, I was promoted to Game Warden Captain and was assigned to the Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Rusk Law Enforcement Office. My district consisted of 7 counties and between 15-17 employees.  I retired from my Captain’s position, at midnight, on December 31, 2024, and started with Shelby County Sheriff’s Office shortly after midnight on January 01, 2025. This position allows me to spend more time with my family. Especially my wife of 31 years, Tammy Smith Hanson, who is a Shelby County native that was born and raised in the Arcadia Community. Together we have two children. Our son, Jake Hanson, who graduated from Center High School, is attending Tarleton State University and is majoring in Construction Engineering. Our daughter, Macey Jo Hanson, graduated from Timpson High School, is an RN in Rusk. Our family has resided in Shelby County since 1999.