Andy Barnhart graduated from Center Grove High School in 1994 and attended Purdue University and IUPUI, studying Computer Science and Criminal Justice. He joined the Indiana National Guard as a Military Police Officer and served from 1997 – 2005.
Andy started his law enforcement career with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in 1998 and served the agency in many different capacities including Reserve Deputy, Communications Officer, and Community Corrections Field Officer before being hired as a Merit Deputy in 2003. Since that time, Andy has advanced through the ranks as a Detective, Detective Sergeant, Road Sergeant, and Lieutenant.
He is an ILEA certified Firearms Instructor and was also a member of the Johnson County SWAT team for 11 years. He has received training at both state and federal levels in computer and digital forensics and specialized in investigating crimes involving technology and white collar crime.
Andy has received several awards including lifesaving and bravery awards as well as several certificates of commendation.
In his position as Chief Deputy of the Sheriff’s Office, Chief Barnhart oversees the Sheriff’s Office in the absence of the Sheriff, and directs the day-to-day activities of the Investigations, Enforcement, and Jail Divisions, as well as supervising other administrative personnel.
Andy Fisher received an associate’s degree from Vincennes University in Law Enforcement in 1999. He then graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Criminal Justice and Criminology in 2001.
Andy began his law enforcement career in March of 2002 when he was hired as a Merit Deputy by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. After graduating the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy he was assigned the road division where he has served throughout his career, attaining the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant. Andy is an Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Instructor in Emergency Vehicle Operations. He is also an instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Andy also is an accident investigator, served as a field training officer, and was a long-term member of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office dive team. Andy has received two lifesaving awards and been recognized three times by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for DUI enforcement.
In 2019, Andy attended the 7th session of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy with dozens of other leaders in law enforcement from across the United States.
In 2022, Andy attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Andy was part of Class 281 which included more than 250 law enforcement leaders from across the United States and many other countries. The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. The 10-week program—which provides coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science—serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.
In his position as Road Division Commander, Major Fisher oversees the daily operations of the Road Division.
Damian Katt graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School and served in the U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division.
Damian began his law enforcement career in 2000. During his service with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Damian has advanced through the ranks of Reserve Deputy, Deputy, Detective and Sergeant. Damian was a member of the Johnson County SWAT Team for 18 years and also served as the SWAT Commander for three years. Major Katt has received training from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Narcotics Investigations, DEA Clandestine Lab School, Reid Interview and Interrogation Techniques, Crimes Against Children Investigations, and SWAT Command.
Major Katt has received several honors and awards throughout his career including a Bravery Award and the Sheriff’s Award.
In his position as Investigations Division Commander, Major Katt oversees daily operations of Criminal and Narcotics Detectives and civilian employees.
Matthew Rhinehart graduated from Center Grove High School in 1991 and began his law enforcement career in 1993 as a Reserve Deputy. During his service with Johnson County, Matt worked in the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center, Johnson County Community Corrections in the work release program, and as a corrections officer in the Johnson County Jail. Matt was hired as a merit deputy in 1998, eventually earning the rank of Sergeant, and holding a Lieutenant’s rank for four years.
Matt joined the SWAT team in 1997 and the bomb squad in 2002, he served as team leader on SWAT and enjoyed holding dual specialty responsibilities before stepping down to concentrate on the bomb squad. He is now the Johnson County Bomb Squad Commander. Matt is an ILEA instructor, ILEA firearms instructor, ILEA patrol rifle instructor, and a certified armorer in Glock pistols, AR-15, and the Remington 870 shotgun. Major Rhinehart has received training from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Project Northstar SWAT operators school, FBI Hazardous Devices School, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, ATF post blast investigation, FBI counter IED, FBI Electronic Counter Measures, and Radiological and Nuclear detection.
In his position as Jail Division Commander, Major Rhinehart oversees the daily operations of the Johnson County Jail, its occupants and employees.
Abby Hamilton graduated from Eastern Hancock High School and attended Vincennes University and Indiana University graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement. Abby began her law enforcement career in 1994. Through the years, Abby has worked for the Vincennes University Police Department, Cincinnati Police, Marion County Justice Agency, Marion County Superior Court Probation Department, and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Abby has advanced through positions of Police Cadet, Police Recruit, Conditional Release Supervisor, Pretrial Supervisor, Program Coordinator, and Special Deputy. During her service in Marion County, Matron Hamilton participated on the Multi-Agency Countywide Warrant Team Sweeps. Matron Hamilton has received training from the Cincinnati Police Division Academy, and has attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Agency Jail School course. In her position as Jail Matron, Abby will be responsible for the care of female inmates detained in the Johnson County Jail. In addition, the Matron oversees the Kitchen, Medical Office, Jail Programs, Commissary, answers grievances from inmates, and other duties as assigned by the Sheriff.