Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson will be taking a leadership role in the Alabama Sheriff’s Association for 2024.
The election to the office of Secretary was completed with an installation ceremony held recently in Opelika.
Jackson will serve as the Association’s secretary for the coming year along with other offices of the organization. He previously served as the Association Treasurer.
Elected to other officer positions were Sheriff Donald Valenza of Houston County – President; Sheriff Matthew Wade of Calhoun county – first Vice President; Sheriff Billy Murray of St. Clair county – second Vice President; Sheriff Chris West of Lowndes County – Treasurer; and Sheriff Phil Sims, Marshall County – Sergeant at Arms.
The conference, held Jan. 21-24 at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National in Opelika, concluded with a President’s Banquet where newly elected officials were sworn in. The ceremony was led by Houston County Circuit Judge Larry Anderson (retired). Valenza, who has served as Houston County Sheriff since 2014, was installed as president replacing Sheriff Shannon Oliver of Franklin County.
Also during the event, the Robert D. “Bobby” Timmons Sheriff of the Year Award for 2024 was presented to Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego. The award is presented annual during the banquet to a sheriff nominated by his peers who exemplifies outstanding serve and heart in and beyond the scope of his office.
According to ASA Executive Director Jimmy Lambert, sheriffs participating in the conference were given the opportunity to explore the latest technology innovations available to law enforcement through exhibits and demonstrations.
“The conference also included leadership training and a time for sheriffs to meet and share ideas with each other,” Lambert said.
Training sessions provided technology information on a wide range of law enforcement issues, including sexual assault, drone programs, threat assessments, human trafficking, drug trafficking, gang activity, mission persons and 911 preparedness.
Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Kevin Elko, a consultant for several NFL and college sports teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, LSU, Alabama and Florida State University.
Over 80 vendors were present for the event and corporate partners included Combined Public Communications, Kimble’s Food by Design, Legacy Commissary Services and NCIC Inmate Communications.
The conference served as the official kickoff of the inaugural Alabama Sheriffs Association PCA Rodeo, which will be held at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds May 9-11 in Dothan. The event will feature world rodeo champions, K-9s, sheriffs’ posses, specialized equipment and sheriffs’ displays.
“This will be our association’s first rodeo,” Lambert said. “It will be a professional, family-friendly event featuring representation from the 67 Alabama sheriffs who serve and protect our families and communities each day.”
Tickets for the rodeo event will go on sale in March 2024.
The Alabama Sheriff’s Association is a non-profit instituted in 1889 to encourage educational, social and charitable activities among sheriffs.
For more information on the Alabama Sheriffs Association, visit www.alabamasheriffs.com or call (334) 264-7827.