Throughout the month of April, Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is proud to shine a spotlight on the outstanding leaders who work tirelessly to protect and serve our community. Join us as we recognize the dedication, experience, and leadership of public safety professionals across Cherokee County.

Today, we are honored to highlight Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1981 as an Alabama State Trooper Cadet. During his rigorous training at the State Trooper Academy in Selma, he gained valuable experience across all divisions of the Alabama Department of Public Safety. After graduating, he was assigned to Russell County before transferring to Cherokee County in 1983. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University, reinforcing his strong foundation in public safety.

Over the course of his career as a State Trooper, Sheriff Shaver earned several commendations, including two Thunderbolt Awards for recovering the most stolen vehicles in Alabama, and the honor of being named Trooper of the Year. He advanced to the rank of sergeant and served as the Assistant Post Commander at the Jacksonville Trooper Post until his retirement in 2006.

That same year, he was elected Sheriff of Cherokee County, becoming only the second former Alabama State Trooper to assume the role. Now serving his fifth term, Sheriff Shaver has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the community. Under his leadership, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has launched numerous innovative initiatives, including the creation of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Aviation Unit to support emergency response and enhance public safety operations.

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

“It was my vision years ago to have this program in Cherokee County,” said Sheriff Jeff Shaver. “My Chief Deputy Josh Summerford and I worked diligently for a long time to make this happen. We are proud of our SROs and the great work they do. We are excited to have an officer assigned to every school.”

In 2021, Sheriff Shaver was unanimously named “Sheriff of the Year” by the Alabama Sheriffs Association in recognition of his outstanding leadership, collaborative spirit, and steadfast service to the law enforcement community. He currently serves as the District 4 Director for the Association, representing Cherokee County at the state level and working to advance key public safety initiatives.

Sheriff Shaver is deeply committed to building strong partnerships between law enforcement and the community. He regularly hosts town hall-style meetings across the county to engage with residents, share crime trends, and provide updates on ongoing projects—emphasizing transparency, accessibility, and trust.

Sheriff Shaver also attributes much of the department’s success to the dedicated men and women who serve within the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. He is deeply appreciative of the hard work, professionalism, and sacrifice of every deputy, administrator, and support staff member, recognizing that their efforts are the backbone of the agency’s effectiveness and its service to the community.

Reflecting on his role, Sheriff Shaver shares:

“I am most thankful for my family and friends. I’m also very thankful for the opportunity to serve my county each and every day as your Sheriff.”

With more than four decades of law enforcement experience, a record of visionary leadership, and a deep respect for the people he serves and leads, Sheriff Jeff Shaver continues to guide Cherokee County with integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to public service.