CLEVELAND — Editor's Note: The above video features previous reporting on the numerous Cuyahoga County sheriffs since 2010.
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish has announced the appointment of Sheriff's Capt. Steven Hammett as interim Cuyahoga County sheriff.
Hammett replaces Christopher Viland, who unexpectedly announced his resignation on April 30.
“Captain Hammett is a long-time law enforcement professional with a proven track record of leadership in our community,” said Budish in a statement. “I am confident in his ability to lead the Sheriff’s Department as our law enforcement staff continue to protect and serve the residents of Cuyahoga County.”
According to a release from Cuyahoga County, Hammett assumes the role of interim sheriff with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. He joined the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department on September 27, 2021. Prior to working with the sheriff's department, Hammett served as the Chief of Police for University Heights and Deputy Chief of Police for Shaker Heights. He most recently served as Chief of Public Safety for the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Hammett's appointment makes him the seventh person to hold the position of Cuyahoga County Sheriff since a 2010 charter amendment changed the sheriff position from an elected one to an appointed one.
Here are the six previous Cuyahoga County sheriffs:
- Robert Reid: May 2009 through February 2013
- Frank Bova: February 2013 through March 2015
- Clifford Pinkney: March 2015 through August 2019
- David Schilling (interim): August 2019 through January 2021
- Joe Greiner (interim): January 2021 through March 2021
- Christopher Viland: March 2021 through May 2022
Previous Reporting: