Hardeman County Officials Take Oath of Office During Courthouse Ceremony
Newly elected, re-elected, and appointed officials gathered at the Hardeman County Courthouse on Monday, August 31, 2026, for an oath of office ceremony marking the beginning of a new term of public service across county government, the school board, law enforcement, and the City of Whiteville.
The ceremony opened with a welcome from Mayor Todd Pulse and a reminder to those preparing to take office that election to public office comes with a responsibility to serve the people of Hardeman County.
“You’ve been given a great opportunity,” said Mayor Pulse. “Election is over. That’s the first step. What you’ve been given is an opportunity, ladies and gentlemen, to serve the people. What you do with that opportunity is what matters.”
Pulse also encouraged officials to recognize the difference between simply holding office and being a public servant.
The ceremony began with prayer led by Commissioner Cory Bufford, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Jackie Sain.
Hardeman County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Harriet Thompson administered the oaths of office. Before beginning, Thompson spoke about the significance of the occasion.
“Taking an oath of office is more than a formal tradition,” Thompson said. “It is a public promise, a commitment to serve with integrity, to uphold the responsibilities of the office, and to put the interests of Hardeman County above personal interests.”
Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse was the first to take the oath, joined by members of his family. Pulse pledged to faithfully perform the duties of county mayor, support the Tennessee and United States constitutions, and carry out the responsibilities of the office without prejudice, partiality or favor.
Newly elected Sheriff Antonio Parham was then sworn into office. Parham took the oath alongside family before Chief Deputy Ben Davis was sworn in. Members of the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office also came forward together to take their oaths as deputy sheriffs.
Members of the Hardeman County Commission were sworn in individually, with many accompanied by family members as they placed a hand on the Bible and pledged to faithfully perform their duties and support the Tennessee and United States constitutions.
Other county officials taking their oaths included County Clerk Tonet Griggs, Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Burkeen, Road Superintendent Casey Swift, road supervisors, Register of Deeds Mark Gilliam and County Trustee Sandy Hammons.
Newly elected and re-elected members of the Hardeman County School Board were also sworn in during the ceremony, including Bradford Polk, Kenny Adkins, Quintessa Stewart, Keith Bollendorf, Gene Ross and Jennifer Barnes Aylor.
The ceremony also included the swearing in of City of Whiteville aldermen Jessie Giles, Aubrey Phillips and Robert Stitts. Their oaths included pledges to support the constitutions of the United States and Tennessee, follow the ordinances of the City of Whiteville and perform their duties without partiality or prejudice.
State Senator Page Walley delivered closing remarks, encouraging the new officials to remember that they represent the hopes and aspirations of the people they serve.
Walley concluded the ceremony by asking those present to join hands as he offered a prayer for wisdom, discernment, unity and strength for the officials and their families as they begin their new terms of service.
You may watch the full Oath of Office ceremony on the Hatchie Press YouTube channel.
You may see more pictures from the ceremony on the Hatchie Press Facebook page.
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