McArthur Holmes Becomes First Black Chief Deputy in Chatham County’s 300-year History

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has appointed McArthur Holmes as chief deputy, marking the first time a Black officer has held the role since the agency was founded in 1732. Sheriff Richard Coleman, the county’s first Black sheriff, announced the historic promotion and presided over Holmes’ pinning ceremony on Sept. 23.

“Some things in life happen just in time, right on time, or all in time,” Coleman said in a statement. “Chief Deputy Holmes’ promotion is a testament to his unwavering dedication, integrity, and commitment to serving the citizens of Chatham County. We are proud of this moment and look forward to his leadership in this new role.”

Holmes, who brings more than 40 years of law-enforcement experience, expressed gratitude. “The Lord has been good to me,” he said, adding that he and Coleman have pledged to work side by side to elevate the department.

The Sheriff’s Office also celebrated the milestone publicly, writing on its Facebook page: “Join me in celebrating a historic moment as we congratulate Chief Deputy McArthur Holmes on becoming the first African-American Chief Deputy… Congratulations, Chief Holmes.”

A Savannah State University graduate, Holmes spent 25 years in jail management, including a decade as jail administrator before retiring in 2013. In that role, he oversaw a multimillion-dollar renovation and championed mental-health advocacy for people in custody, pushing to ensure they received appropriate medical care rather than being warehoused in jail.

Holmes’ appointment follows another barrier-breaking promotion last month, when Major Nicole Scott-Bond was elevated to lieutenant colonel—the highest-ranking female deputy in the agency’s history.

Founded in 1732, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is Georgia’s oldest sheriff’s department and among the oldest law-enforcement agencies in the United States.