Rocky Harnen is the new sheriff of Jackson County.

Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Harnen yesterday, replacing Chuck Phillips, who retired April 1.

Phillips appointed Harnen as chief deputy for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in March 2012.

He began his law enforcement career in 1982 as a police officer and later, as a vice and narcotics investigator, for Anniston police. In 1986, Harnen was commissioned as a special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where he worked in the Los Angeles and Riverside, Calif. offices, as well as, Birmingham and Huntsville.

Harnen thanked Ivey for “having the confidence in me,” Phillips for “his leadership and guidance,” and the employees of the sheriff’s department and county jail.

“I understand how important this new role will be and am truly humbled and excited to step into the position,” Harnen said. “I can assure the citizens of Jackson County that I will continue to uphold the high standards that this office requires. Know that I will work tirelessly to protect the citizens of Jackson County and will continue to uphold the Constitution of the State of Alabama and the United States.”

Harnen attended both the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy and the DEA Basic Agent Academy in Quantico, Va. He is a graduate of Scottsboro High School and Jacksonville State University, with a criminal justice degree.