(Columbiana, AL) Sheriff John Samaniego is proud to announce the promotion of Major Clay Hammac to the rank of Chief Deputy.
His promotion was effective January 6, 2023. Chief Hammac began his law enforcement career with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in 2004, where he has served in numerous roles.
Chief Deputy Clay Hammac is currently responsible for the operational command and oversight of criminal investigations, drug enforcement, uniform patrol, tactical response, media relations, and oversight of budget, personnel and risk management.
Previously Hammac served as the commander of Shelby County’s multi-jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Task Force and Executive Director of Shelby County Compact. Prior to working in narcotics investigation, Hammac was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division and as a member of the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force. Clay Hammac specialized in white collar, electronic, financial, organized and violent crime investigations.
Most notably, Clay was recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as one of the Top 40 law enforcement executives worldwide, from a candidate pool of more than 36,000 law enforcement leaders. He was also awarded "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" for the State of Alabama by the Fraternal Order of Police, as well as recipient of the Public Safety Award by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Clay has also testified before the US Congressional Committee of Financial Services as an expert witness of law enforcement's response to electronic and financial crimes.
Clay Hammac is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, session 270, the DEA’s Drug Unit Commander Academy, session 81, the FBI LEEDA Trilogy in executive leadership, the DEA’s HIDTA Drug Commander’s Course and Leadership Shelby County.
Hammac holds an M.B.A. with a concentration in Accounting and Management. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Finance and Banking from the University of South Alabama where he served as president of the Student Government Association.
Hammac is a recipient of a lifesaving award, two meritorious service awards and the Sheriff’s award. He is a past three-term president of the Shelby County Fraternal Order of Police and currently serves as the State Trustee and the chairman of the state’s legislative committee. Clay chairs and serves many community-based organizations throughout Shelby County, Alabama and North Alabama.
Hammac has also served as an ordained deacon through the Southern Baptist Church. In the recent past, he and his wife, Laura, faithfully served as foster parents for 11 years through the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home during which time they opened their home to more than 23 children. Clay and Laura, and their four children, are members of Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster where they actively serve in various ministry roles.