Cherokee Chief Marshal Retires

After nearly three years as Cherokee County's chief marshal, Chris Collett is calling it quits. 

Collett last week announced his retirement from the position, which encompassed managing Cherokee County E-911, Animal Control and the Marshal's Office. 

Collett, who took over the position in 2011 after the retirement of Ray Waters, said it's time to hang up his hat. After Waters retired, the county consolidated the three aforementioned agencies into one and Collett said managing all three took a toll over the last three years. 

For example, the lifelong Cherokee County resident said he did not take any official vacation days in 2013. Even on the weekends and on days he was out of town, Collett said he routinely worked from his cell phone. 

"It was more than I could deal with," he said, adding, working seven days a week was "too much" for him. 

June Killian is now serving as interim chief marshal while Priscilla Bridges is serving as interim E-911 director until permanent replacements are named. 

County Manager Jerry Cooper praised Collett's work, adding the marshal's office received state certification and the E-911 center was given the Call Center of the Year and received national accreditation during his tenure, according to the Cherokee Tribune. 

Before he was tapped to serve as chief marshal, Collett served as the E-911 director since 2008. Before that, he was a deputy with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office and jail administrator of the Adult Detention Center. 

Collett, 51, has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the former Reinhardt College. He also has a master's in public administration from Columbus State University. 

Collett said he plans to relax for a few weeks as an effort to enjoy the time off. After that, Collett said he'd like to possibly gain part-time employment. Whatever that may be, Collett noted it will not be in the public sector.

The former chief marshal said he is more than appreciative of his tenure with Cherokee County and the friends he's made over the years.

"I love all the people I’ve worked with and all the people I have worked for," he said. "I leave here with a clear heart and a clear conscience."