Cherokee County Honors Deputy Wayne Reed’s 55 Years of Service

Centre, AL- A heartfelt retirement celebration was held on Thursday at the Cherokee County Courthouse to honor Deputy Wayne Reed, who is retiring from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department at the age of 85 after an extraordinary 55-year career in law enforcement. Nine of those years with the Sheriff’s Office.

Reed began his LEO journey in 1970 with the Hokes Bluff Police Department—the same year he graduated from the law enforcement academy. He served the Hokes Bluff community with dedication until 2016, when he transitioned to the Centre Police Department. Though he considered retiring from there, the Sheriff invited him to join the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, where he went on to serve diligently in courthouse security.

The courthouse was filled with colleagues from the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, court officials, members of various community and service organizations, and many of Reed’s friends and family members. Sheriff Jeff Shaver shared kind words in honor of Reed, Chaplain Zack Richards offered a prayer, and Sheriff Shaver and Chief Deputy Josh Summerford presented a plaque to commemorate Reed’s decades of service.

When asked by WEIS Radio about his retirement plans, Reed shared that he’ll be staying busy on his farm, tending to his cattle, donkeys, and horses. He also looks forward to spending more time working at the family-owned sawmill. “I always have something to do,” Reed said with a smile.

Thank you, Mr. Reed, for your service and for a long and distinguished career dedicated to protecting and serving the people of our community.