Earlier this week WEIS radio news reported on Lynde Meeder being sworn in as the first female sheriff of Calhoun county. Meeder was sworn in shortly after the retirement of Sheriff Matthew Wade earlier this year. Wade retired in his third term as sheriff after he was appointed in 2016 following the retirement of Sheriff Larry Amerson who served six terms – from 1994 through 2016. Meeder would fill the role until the Governor appointed someone to finish the term.
That appointment has been made.
Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed Falon C. Hurst to fill the remainder of the term until elections are held.
Sheriff Hurst had this to say.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to announce that I have been appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to serve as the Sheriff of our county. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me and pledge to uphold the trust, safety, and values of the people I serve.
This community is my home. I’ve spent nearly two decades working alongside some of the finest men and women in law enforcement, and I am committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and accountability.”
“I have worked diligently and intently over the past decade with this specific goal in mind, though I am not the only one responsible for this achievement. Without the guidance of my friends, the encouragement of my mentors, the support of my colleagues, and the unwavering belief of my family, this moment would not have been possible.”
“While I can’t name everyone individually, please know that your influence, advice, and belief in me have meant more than words can express. This appointment is not just a personal milestone—it is a shared victory with all those who helped shape the path that led me here.
I look forward to working with our deputies, staff, community partners, and citizens to continue building on the foundation of service and professionalism for which our agency is known.
Thank you for your continued support!”
Hurst had previously graduated in 2024 from the FBI National Academy in 2024, a ten-week residential course that is held at the Quantico, VA Campus. He had been promoted during that time from Lieutenant to Captian, and was over the Correctional Facility in Calhoun County.
Hurst was sworn into his new role by Judge Shannon Page on Thursday to officially become the new Sheriff until the next general election for the position in 2026.
