*Shaquille O’Neal has been promoted to Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, marking a new chapter in his ongoing public service work in North Georgia, CBS News reports.
The promotion was revealed live during ESPN’s Christmas edition of “NBA Tip-Off” by Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett. O’Neal has worked with the sheriff’s office for nearly five years, contributing to a wide range of outreach efforts across the county. Sheriff Scandrett credited the NBA icon with helping expand the department’s reach and deepen engagement with residents.
“Since then, we have done tremendous things in the community,” Scandrett said. “We’ve touched about 370 events, reached about 42,000 people, and fed over 14,000 children. He’s been at the helm of that.”
During the broadcast, Captain Deon L. Wallace and Sergeant Powell presented O’Neal with a plaque inscribed with the message: “For your outstanding commitment to service, community engagement in Henry County, and for your leadership, compassion and unwavering support of our mission to protect and serve.”
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Wallace later expressed his enthusiasm on social media about the achievement. “Congratulations are truly in order for the one and only Shaquille O’Neal,” he wrote. “Today marks a significant milestone as he was officially promoted to Chief of Community Relations with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. The promotion was presented by our sheriff, Reginald B. Scandrett, and shared with the nation on ESPN — a proud moment for our entire community.”
O’Neal responded with humor when Scandrett confirmed the title change during the broadcast. “So my badge will say chief?” O’Neal asked, later joking to the ESPN panel, “That’s how you address me from now on, as Big Chief.”
Shaq joined the sheriff’s office in 2021 as Director of Community Relations, a role focused on building better relationships between police and local residents.
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