Public invited to reception honoring 26-year law enforcement career of retiring RPD Captain Joe Hargett

A 26-year career in any profession is quite a milestone. 

In law enforcement, it’s a rarity. 

For Russellville Police Department Captain Joe Hargett,  his 26-year career serving the citizens of Franklin County will soon end, with November 1st his retirement day.

The Russellville Police Department invites the public to join officers and colleagues at a reception honoring Hargett for more than a quarter century of dedicated law enforcement in his native Franklin County.

The reception will be Wednesday, October 29th, from 1-3 p.m., in the Municipal Courtroom of the Russellville Police Department building in downtown Russellville.

Hargett’s law enforcement career began when he was hired as a Corrections Officer/Dispatcher in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. 

In his five-year tenure with the FCSO, Hargett would serve as a deputy after his law enforcement academy graduation and the department’s K-9 Officer.

Hargett was hired by the City of Russellville in 2005. His advancement through the ranks of RPD saw Hargett begin as a patrolman, receive promotions to patrol sergeant, then investigations sergeant,  investigations lieutenant and Investigations Captain.

Hargett was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Agency as a task force officer, as well as an assignment to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Region E Drug Task Force.

Those promotions didn’t just happen by coincidence. Hargett, according to RPD Chief Chris Hargett, who happens to be his brother as well, served as an example of what a law enforcement officer should be.

“Throughout his career, Captain Hargett has led with integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to this community. His experience and leadership have made a lasting impact on our department and those he’s worked alongside,” Chief Hargett said.

“On a personal note, I’ve had the privilege of serving with Joe not only as a colleague but also as my younger brother. I was working at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office when he began his career. And when I became Chief of Russellville, he was one of the first people I hired.  It’s bittersweet to see him retire, but I’m proud of all he’s accomplished and thankful for his years of service,” Hargett added.

Russellville Mayor David Grissom said Hargett will have a lasting impact on the Russellville Police Department  because of the example he set each day he came to work.

“Captain Hargett’s legacy will continue to live on in the men and women of the Russellville Police Department whom he worked with on a daily basis. We wish him the best in his well-earned retirement, but his professionalism and dedication to law enforcement will be very much missed,” Grissom said.