Through Anna Brown
December 28, 2025
The NBA icon was officially promoted to chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Shaquille O’Neal’s latest promotion celebrates his dedication to community service. On Christmas Day, the NBA icon was officially promoted to chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, in honor of his nearly five years of service to the North Georgia community. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is located in McDonough, Georgia.
O’Neal joined the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in 2021 when Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett appointed him Director of Community Relations. The role was created to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community.
After O’Neal went to the sheriff’s office, it reports participation in approximately 370 community events, engagement with more than 42,000 residents and the distribution of more than 14,000 meals to children and families. Shaq has appeared at a variety of events ranging from holiday gift drives and school visits to emergency relief efforts for families dealing with sudden tragedy. CBS News reported.
The latest announcement was revealed during ESPN’s holiday edition of NBA Tip-Off. Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett announced the promotion live on air, highlighting O’Neal’s hands-on leadership and measurable impact since joining the department’s community outreach efforts in 2021.
During the broadcast, members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office presented O’Neal with a plaque recognizing his dedication to service, leadership and compassion. During the announcementO’Neal reacted playfully to the idea of being officially addressed as “Chief,” a nickname he could easily relate to, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
“For your outstanding commitment to service, community involvement in Henry County, and for your leadership, compassion and unwavering support of our mission to protect and serve,” the plaque honoring O’Neal reads.
Following the on-air recognition, Capt. Deon L. Wallace, a friend of Shaq, shared on social media O’Neal’s consistent dedication to service. Wallace emphasized that there was more to the promotion than celebrity involvement, describing it as the natural next step for someone deeply invested in the well-being of the community.
“Congratulations are truly in order for the one and only Shaquille O’Neal,” Wallace wrote according to Fox 5 Atlanta. “Today marks a significant milestone as he was officially promoted to Chief of Community Relations at 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.”
The sheriff’s office framed the promotion as part of a broader public safety philosophy focused on trust, visibility and sustained engagement between law enforcement agencies and residents. Officials credit O’Neal’s presence with strengthening relationships and increasing positive interactions in Henry County.
In addition to his work at the Sheriff’s Office, O’Neal maintains strong ties to the Atlanta area through business investments and real estate ownership. His charitable efforts throughout Georgia include donating shoes to students, providing holiday meals, assisting families after disasters, supporting local athletes, and funding rewards to support law enforcement investigations.
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