MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Dale Lane has announced his retirement from Shelby County Government after 30 years of continuous service. Director Lane began his career in public service as a patrol officer with the Millington Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, where he progressed through the ranks to Chief Inspector. As a Sheriff’s Deputy, Director Lane held command positions in Homeland Security, S.W.A.T., Training and the Patrol Field Bureau. In 2004, he was selected as a member of Governor Phil Bredesen’s Law Enforcement Counter-Terrorism Support Element. After his 27-year career in law enforcement, he accepted the position of Director of the Shelby County Office of Preparedness.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris says, “Although I wish him and his family the best in his well-earned retirement, it will be terribly difficult to replace Director Lane. Dale Lane is one of the best leaders and most skilled communicators we have in Shelby County Government. As you can imagine, Director Lane is well respected across our state—and rightly so. Above all else, Director Lane answered the call to serve because he was motivated by both faith and a deep desire to make a difference. We need more of that perspective in Shelby County Government.”

Chief Administrative Officer Patrice Thomas added, “Dale Lane is an organized, reliable administrator who has built an incredible team. As a consequence, his division was one of the first and only to achieve accreditation in our state. I think his shoes will be tough to fill.”

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