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City officials, co-workers say goodbye to Tom Sutherlin
Departing Greencastle Police Chief Tom Sutherlin is hoping that fate doesn’t allow the start of his second career to be as inauspicious as his first.
Sutherlin, who is leaving GPD effective Friday, will become chief deputy under Putnam County Sheriff-elect Jerrod Baugh on Jan. 3. During a City Hall reception in his honor Wednesday evening, Sutherlin recalled the beginning of his 19-year tenure as chief on Jan. 1, 2004.
“My second day on the job as chief, I lost my dear friend (Deputy) Jim Baugh,” Sutherlin said, alluding to the tragic Jan. 2, 2004 accident that claimed the life of Baugh while patrolling on Water Works Hill. “Now, ironically, I get to go to work with his son, Jerrod, as sheriff.”
The 54-year-old Sutherlin has logged 32 years at GPD, serving as chief under three multiple-term mayors -- Nancy Michael, Sue Murray and Bill Dory. Mike Harmless, the two-term mayor who swore Sutherlin in as a patrolman, joined Michael and Dory in congratulating Sutherlin Wednesday evening.
Michael gave him a hug and recalled naming him chief when Jim Hendrich left the department. Sutherlin was the assistant chief at the time, assuming that position when Paul Wilson retired from GPD.
“I couldn’t be more proud to have appointed someone who’s lasted through three mayors,” Michael beamed, saying Sutherlin has been a great fit for the community and that incoming Chief Chris Jones will “have big shoes to fill.”
Stepping back for emphasis, Michael said, “I want to say it Tom Sutherlin-style
. . . ‘Always be honest. Always be kind. Always do what’s best for your officers and the community.’ That’s your style.”
Mayor Dory said the community is lucky that Sutherlin will be taking his talents to the Sheriff’s Department and continuing in local law enforcement.
“As a community, we’re fortunate he’s not just going to hang out in a deer stand some place,” Dory said. “Tom said the other day he went to sheriffs’ school, and I told him he could probably be teaching that. But modestly he said, ‘You can always use a refresher course.’”
Sutherlin recalled at a recent City Council meeting how when he was sworn in as an officer, veteran City Police Chief Jack Hanlon and Assistant Chief Jim Hendrich told him, “You’ll be sitting in our chair some day.”
“I never would have thought that back then,” Sutherlin said, noting that he owes a lot to what he learned from Hanlon, Hendrich and Det. Sonny Wood, all of whom have passed on now.
“Friday’s my last day,” Sutherlin continued, “then I’ll be a civilian for two weeks before Jerrod swears me in as chief deputy.”
The departing chief expressed thanks for “all the opportunities the city has given me,” praising how well city department heads work as a team.
“I know the city’s in good shape as I leave,” he added. “Chris Jones is going to be a great chief. And it’s a win-win for me. I get to wear a new uniform.”
