Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver stated he will seek re-election in 2022.
Shaver said, “In my 40 year career in law enforcement, it has been my highest honor to serve the citizens of Cherokee County as sheriff. I have worked to build a professional team of officers and staff of which Cherokee County can be proud. Together we have accomplished many great things in fighting crime and preventing crime with proactive programs.”
Shaver was instrumental in establishing the Cherokee County Major Crimes Unit, which is comprised of investigators from the county’s law enforcement agencies. Since the formation of the unit, there has been a 100% closure rate in homicide cases, and with assistance of the District Attorney’s Office, a 100% conviction rate in those cases.
Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators relentlessly pursue criminals who burglarize homes and especially those who sell illegal drugs and they make dozens of arrests each month. Shaver stated with the support of the Cherokee County Commission his office now has more deputies than ever.
In order to provide officers with the necessary equipment needed to perform their duties, the Sheriff’s Office has brought in over $1 million dollars into Cherokee County through grants and equipment.
To improve safety, deter crimes against children, and promote positive relationships with law enforcement, Sheriff Shaver partnered with the Cherokee County Board of Education and County Commission to implement a school resource officer program. A deputy sheriff is on duty every day in our schools, and deputies attend every home high school football and basketball game.
Sheriff Shaver formed a work release program to enable eligible inmates to earn money to pay for child support, restitution to crime victims, bad checks, fines and court costs. Inmates also volunteer to perform services in the community including construction work on local municipal projects such as the police departments in Centre and Cedar Bluff, picking-up litter, and painting schools during the summer, which saves tax dollars. The inmates have even tended a jail garden.
Shortly after taking office, Sheriff Shaver formed a court security division to help keep the public and judicial officials safe in the administrative building and courthouse. He has worked with communities to assist in forming neighborhood watch programs. Future goals include completion of a training center and establishing a charity foundation.
Shaver is a graduate of Jacksonville State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. In 1983 as an Alabama State Trooper, Jeff and his wife, State Representative Ginny Shaver, located to Cherokee County. They have three children who work in education, public safety, and occupational safety. They also have two grandchildren. The Shavers are long-time members of Tates Chapel Baptist Church.
Sheriff Shaver serves on the National Sheriff’s Association Training and Education Committee, Alabama Sheriff’s Association Executive Committee, Center for Best Practices in Law Enforcement at Jacksonville State University, Cherokee County Major Crimes Unit Board, Work Release Board, and Cherokee County Child Abuse Review Team. He is a member of several local organizations including the Lion’s Club and Chamber of Commerce and was the 2016 recipient of the Chamber of Commerce’s Dub Ellis Community Leadership Award.
Shaver said, “I am extremely proud of my staff at the Sheriff’s Office and want to preserve the hard work we’ve accomplished. I humbly ask for your support to continue working for our citizens of this great county.”
