Major Hughes has served the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department since 1987.  Major Hughes has four children. His son, Emory, is in the Army Rangers and is stationed in Savannah, Georgia. His daughter, Alina, is currently serving on the cutter Hamilton in the Coast Guard. She is stationed in San Diego, California. His oldest daughter, Valia, is a full- time student. Sarah Hughes, his youngest daughter, competes in piano competitions and currently has a rating of Superior among her peers. Major Hughes is a senior instructor for the state and an industry published direct supervision instructor.