Cherokee County, Alabama Sheriff Jeff Shaver officially announced this week that he will seek re-election in the May 2026 Republican Primary, pledging to continue his commitment to public safety, transparency, and community service for the citizens of Cherokee County.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your Sheriff,” Shaver stated. “Together, we’ve made great progress in improving public safety, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our Sheriff’s Office operates with integrity, accountability, and professionalism. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished—but there is still more work to be done.”

Sheriff Shaver began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1981 as an Alabama State Trooper Cadet. After graduating the academy, he was assigned to Russell County before transferring to Cherokee County in 1983. He further solidified his foundation in public safety by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University.

During his tenure as a State Trooper, Shaver received several commendations, including two Thunderbolt Awards for recovering the most stolen vehicles in Alabama and the prestigious “Trooper of the Year” award. He advanced to the ranks of corporal and then sergeant, eventually serving as Assistant Post Commander at the Jacksonville Trooper Post, where he supervised Troopers in eight counties until his retirement in 2006. Later that same year, he was elected Sheriff of Cherokee County.

Throughout his entire career as Sheriff, Shaver has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the community. Under his leadership, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has seen increased patrols, enhanced drug enforcement efforts, and the launch of numerous innovative initiatives. These include the creation of a mental health unit, a chaplain unit, an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Aviation Unit, and an Emergency Response Team (ERT), all designed to bolster emergency response capabilities and public safety operations. Sheriff Shaver was also instrumental in establishing the Major Crimes Unit, which is credited with a significant decrease in violent crime in the county.

Among his proudest accomplishments are the construction of a new law enforcement training center, providing advanced instruction and professional development for public safety personnel, and the establishment of a countywide School Resource Officer (SRO) Program in 2019. This initiative places trained deputies in local schools to ensure the safety of students and faculty while fostering strong relationships between youth and law enforcement.

In 2021, Sheriff Shaver’s leadership was recognized statewide when all Alabama Sheriffs unanimously selected him as “Sheriff of the Year.” This award acknowledged his outstanding leadership, collaborative spirit, and steadfast service to the law enforcement community.

Committed to building strong partnerships between law enforcement and the community, Sheriff Shaver regularly hosts town hall-style meetings across the county. These engagements allow him to connect with residents, share crime trends, and provide updates on ongoing projects, emphasizing transparency, accessibility, and trust. To further enhance transparency, Sheriff Shaver launched the Sheriff’s Office website and social media pages shortly after taking office.

Sheriff Shaver attributes much of the Office’s success to the dedicated men and women who serve within the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. He expresses deep appreciation for the hard work, professionalism, and sacrifice of every member, recognizing their efforts as the backbone of the agency’s effectiveness and its service to the community.

“I’ve seen first-hand the power of collaboration, the importance of accountability and the need for steady leadership and I want to continue to provide those things to Cherokee County,” Shaver affirmed.

Sheriff Shaver and his wife, Ginny, have three adult children and three grandchildren and are long-time members of Tate’s Chapel Baptist Church.

“I’m running for reelection to ensure that Cherokee County remains a safe, strong, and supportive place to live, work, and raise a family and I ask for your support to continue in that service,” he concluded.

The official campaign kickoff will take place at F.C. Weiss Pub and Eatery from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 7. All residents of Cherokee County are invited to attend.