JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – You might have seen him on Channel 4 and on News4JAX.com recently. A longtime member of law enforcement, Tom Hackney, has shared his expertise on crime and safety issues with us.
Now, we are excited to announce that Hackney is a member of the News4JAX team serving as our new Crime and Safety Analyst.
“I’m so pleased to be the newest member of the News4JAX family. Growing up in Jacksonville, watching and trusting Channel 4, I already felt at home with all the members of this team,” he said.
Hackney rose through the ranks at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office from an officer to Homicide Detective to Homicide Sergeant, then to Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, Chief of Investigations, and finally to the position of Director of Investigations and Homeland Security and Director of Personnel and Professional Standards.
“I am looking forward to using my three decades of law enforcement experience to add a unique perspective on the stories News4JAX covers,” Hackney said. “I hope to add insight to the topics concerning everyone that calls Jacksonville home.”
Notably, in 2015, Hackney was a prominent figure in the investigation into the tragic case of a little boy named Lonzie Barton. He was determined to solve the case; vowing to leave no stone unturned and get justice for 2-year-old Lonzie and those who loved him. Hackney led detectives with multiple agencies and hundreds of searchers for months until police eventually found the boy’s remains.
Hackney’s emotional news conferences talking about little Lonzie being “discarded like a piece of trash” are hauntingly memorable moments for many from that case.
Hackney retired in 2020 after a distinguished 29-year career with JSO.
“We are so very proud of his integrity and professionalism he has instilled in the agency and community,” his sister, Teresa Hackney Smith, said at the time.
Hackney starts his new role immediately as the News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst. His experience in law enforcement, along with his insightful and compassionate approach, will make him an invaluable asset.
“I am excited to collaborate with my colleagues at News4JAX to keep our viewers informed, empowered, and above all, safe in these ever-trying times,” Hackney said.
Please join us and welcome Tom Hackney to News4JAX!