Heath Jackson has announced his Republican candidacy for sheriff of Escambia County (Ala.).

The son of Thomas Wayne and Terry Sherrer Jackson, he was born and raised most of his life in Brewton. Through them, he said he learned that hard work and integrity are the cornerstones of success. Upon graduation from T. R. Miller High School in 1999, he began his pursuit of a lifelong dream in law enforcement. He attended the City of Montgomery’s Advanced Criminal Justice Academy and became a sworn peace officer in the state of Alabama in January 2000.

Jackson began his career in law enforcement at the Brewton Police Department as a patrol officer when he “quickly realized the need for the active and aggressive stand needed with the rising number of drug-related crimes in the county.”

He then transitioned and spent six years with the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force investigating all types of crimes from drug investigations, burglary and homicide. Serving as a task force officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for more than four years, Jackson has also assisted federal law enforcement in the successful arrests and prosecutions of individuals who violated gun and explosive laws “by taking guns out of the hands of criminals and not law abiding citizens,” he said. In 2007, he became an investigator for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola, Florida and was assigned to the Narcotics Division. He joined the Homicide Unit in March 2013.

Jackson said he is committed to building on the successes of those who have served before him and continue to focus on ways to improve. Actively involved in Republican Party politics for several years, Jackson has been the chairman of the Escambia County Republican Party since 2012.

“Giving back to my community and fellow law enforcement officers is a calling that I take very seriously,” Jackson said. “I have seen significant changes in the needs and requirements for law enforcement and public safety in the last several years.

“Our community deserves the commitment of the sheriff’s office to eradicate crime, change mindsets, restore hope, tear down walls of division, and open doors of opportunity and fairness,” he said. “This commitment must be demonstrated every day – not just at those strategically placed moments before elections.”

Jackson holds an number of professional offices such as the Region One Director of the Florida Association of Hostage Negotiators and the assistant team leader of the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Team.  Jackson currently serves as an Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s public information officer.

Jackson said he knows the importance of conviction, dedication, professionalism and the strength of genuine effort.

“As an investment in the future of Escambia County, I plan to be will be a driving force in ensuring safety and trusts are restored,” he said. “I plan to lead the men and women of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office into a future of unparalleled quality of service to the community based squarely on integrity and respect.”

Jackson said he welcomes public input and questions. He may be reached – day or night – via email at agentheathjackson@gmail.com or by cell phone at 205.901.1391.