Local leaders reflect on Hensley's time as sheriff

After 14 years as Unicoi County sheriff, Mike Hensley is stepping away from the position as the longest-serving sheriff in the county's history, leaving behind a career that local officials say was defined by service, cooperation and a commitment to the community. For Erwin Mayor Glenn White, Hensley's retirement marks the end of a long chapter for someone he has known since before either man entered public office. White, who is four years younger than Hensley, remembers watching Hensley play football when White was in eighth grade and Hensley was a senior. Their relationship continued long before Hensley became sheriff. "We were friends long before he became sheriff, and he always was just a great guy," White said. That friendship translated into a strong working relationship between the city and county. White said Hensley was always willing to help when the Erwin Police Department or the town needed assistance, while also respecting the city's authority. "Anytime that I needed his help, our police department needed his help, he was there," White said. "He always respected the sovereignty of Erwin. We always respected his police department, and it was always positive." That cooperation became particularly important when either department faced personnel shortages, with city and county agencies regularly helping one another. White also served alongside Hensley on the 911 Board and said Hensley was someone he could turn to for advice. While Hensley's successor will bring his own approach to the job, White said the county should not expect to see another sheriff quite like him. "You're not going to fill the shoes of Sheriff Hensley," White said. "I don't think we'll ever see another Mike Hensley." Unicoi County Mayor Garland "Bubba" Evely, who has worked with Hensley throughout his eight years as county mayor, pointed to Hensley's longevity as perhaps the clearest indication of the confidence residents placed in him. "That speaks highly of itself because that's usually a pretty contested race every time it comes up," Evely said. "The people have backed him and voted for him, and they don't do that unless the person in that position, like Mike, has the welfare of the county and its citizens at heart." Evely said the sheriff's job is inherently stressful and often thankless, but he praised Hensley and the department for looking after residents beyond traditional law enforcement duties. "They have programs that contact shut-ins and try to make sure that they're taken care of, and needs are met out there in the community that nobody ever cares about or sees," Evely said. "It speaks highly to Mike's character and the people who work for him." Evely also credited Hensley's department with going above and beyond following Hurricane Helene and the flooding that devastated parts of the region. "Right after the flood, the way his crew and everyone there helped out, they just went above and beyond what you should expect of employees," he said. Unicoi Mayor Kevin McInturff likewise praised Hensley's service to the town, noting that the sheriff regularly patrolled Unicoi and carried out his duties there. "He's done a good job for us," McInturff said. McInturff said Hensley has experienced things during his career that most people will never see and expressed appreciation that he is leaving the job healthy enough to enjoy what comes next. "He's been through a lot of things that we'll never witness," McInturff said. "I'm proud of him, and I'm glad that he is still physically and mentally able to have a good life and retirement." Hensley's law enforcement career stretches back far beyond his time as sheriff. Hensley first joined the Sheriff's Department payroll in 1978, beginning as a dispatcher and jailer shortly after graduating high school. In March 2012, Hensley was appointed sheriff to serve the remaining two years of then-Sheriff Kent Harris' term after an accident left the position open. Hensley subsequently ran for the office, was elected by voters and remained sheriff for the next 14 years. White said Hensley's accessibility and communication with residents were among the qualities that helped make him so successful. "Mike was good to the citizens. He always kept the citizens up to date through social media, and he was always available to the people," White said. Hensley's retirement will be celebrated Friday, Sept. 4, with a retirement party from 6 to 9 p.m. at the National Guard Armory.