Sheriff Jonathon W. Horton Announces Candidacy for Third Term as Etowah County Sheriff
Etowah County, Alabama — Sheriff Jonathon W. Horton has formally announced his candidacy for a third term as Etowah County Sheriff, reaffirming his commitment to public safety, responsible leadership, and dedicated service to the citizens of Etowah County.
Horton’s campaign theme, “A Sheriff for ALL with a Servant’s Heart,” reflects what he describes as a continued focus on fairness, accessibility, and strong community partnerships. Horton first took office on January 14, 2019, and says he remains deeply grateful for the trust the community has placed in him and the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office.
“Serving as your Sheriff has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Horton said. “Together with the dedicated men and women of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, we have made tremendous progress — and I am asking for the opportunity to continue that work.”
A Record of Proven Leadership
During his first term in office from 2019 to 2023, Sheriff Horton oversaw one of the most comprehensive periods of modernization in the history of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office. His administration implemented numerous changes aimed at improving safety, accountability, and operational efficiency across the agency.
Key accomplishments from Horton’s first term include substantial pay increases for deputies, as well as the largest raise for Detention Deputies in more than 20 years. School safety was significantly expanded with the growth of School Resource Officer coverage from six shared SROs to 15 dedicated SROs and a supervisor, ensuring every school campus has a Deputy or Officer present.
Under Horton’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Office hosted the first D.A.R.E. Conference in Etowah County and certified deputies and municipal officers to teach drug prevention programs. The department replaced more than 40 patrol vehicles and added new vehicles for every School Resource Officer.
Major improvements were also made at the Etowah County Detention Center, including the installation of more than 300 new security cameras and the replacement of 212 door locks. Two Tek 84 Body Interceptor X-ray systems were implemented to reduce contraband, and the 112-bed Jail Annex was opened. Horton also launched the IMPACT Program, focused on inmate education, life skills, and job training.
Additional first-term achievements included the establishment of the county’s first comprehensive Policy and Procedures Manual through Lexipol, upgraded duty weapons, tasers, body cameras, and outer carrier vests, and the launch of the Sheriff’s Office mobile app and Virtual Academy training platform. Horton also increased revenue streams through improved ICE contract rates and municipal housing agreements.
“These efforts strengthened safety, accountability, and operational efficiency across the agency,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Continued Progress in the Second Term
Sheriff Horton’s second term, which began in 2023, has continued that momentum, with 2025 marking another year of significant advancement in enforcement, operations, and detention services.
In enforcement and operations, the Sheriff’s Office added more than 40 new vehicles, including 16 added in the past year to improve reliability and response times. The agency acquired a DJI Matrice 4T drone equipped with FLIR for advanced public safety operations and added a Bell OH-58 helicopter with FLIR through the LESO program at no cost to taxpayers.
The department also purchased new ballistic vests and ballistic shields and, through newly developed policy, receives a 50 percent rebate from the Federal Ballistic Vest Program. Deputy training was expanded beyond state requirements, and the Emergency Services Unit was launched with a triple-certified deputy holding APOST, Paramedic, and Fire certifications.
Horton’s administration partnered with the Probate Judge’s Office to provide a Mental Health Officer assisting countywide and renegotiated the U.S. Marshals Service contract to increase revenue and reduce the taxpayer burden. Incentive pay was implemented for Correctional Deputies and non-law-enforcement staff to improve retention and recruitment.
Additional second-term initiatives include securing a $500,000 federal grant for a new dive and marine boat, partnering with the ICE 287(g) Program to deputize four deputies, and developing the ACE (Active Criminal Enforcement) Unit with new patrol trucks and narcotics-detecting K-9s.
The Sheriff’s Office also partnered with Alabama Game and Fish to construct a new public shooting range on Owl’s Hollow Road. The project, valued at more than $2 million, will support citizen firearms classes, high school archery, law enforcement training, and additional community programs.
Detention Center Improvements
Significant improvements have also been made at the Etowah County Detention Center during Horton’s second term. These include an updated Booking and Release Center and the renegotiation of the federal housing contract with the U.S. Marshals Service.
Incentive pay was implemented for Correctional Deputies and non-law-enforcement staff, and the 360-degree secure perimeter project was completed, adding exterior fencing and an awning to deter contraband. New secure employee entrances, locker rooms, and break areas were added, along with new employee entrance procedures designed to further reduce contraband.
Horton also created a dedicated Detention Investigator position with Internal Affairs responsibilities and expanded the IMPACT Program to include female inmates. The program has seen four graduating classes, with participants earning multiple certificates.
“These accomplishments reflect our commitment to safety, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources,” Horton said. “We have made real progress — and there is more work to be done.”
Looking Ahead
Etowah County, though 67th in geographic size, ranks 13th in population and operates one of the largest county jails in Alabama, with 977 beds. The facility houses county, state, municipal, and federal inmates and is the only direct supervision jail of its kind in the state.
“It has taken time to understand and make improvements, and I am proud of the work that has been done,” Horton said. “But we still have work to do. Our goal is to provide the safest environment possible while giving those incarcerated an opportunity for change. We are all in this together, and together we can make a difference.”
Horton emphasized that his motivation for seeking another term is rooted in service to the community.
“My heart has always been in serving the people of Etowah County,” he said. “With your support, I will continue strengthening public safety, supporting our schools, modernizing our operations, and ensuring that our Sheriff’s Office remains one of the most professional and effective agencies in Alabama. I will continue to be A Sheriff for ALL with a Servant’s Heart.”
Sheriff Horton is supported by his wife of 35 years, Angie, and their three daughters — two of whom work in public education and one who serves as a local marketing manager.
“My family and I are deeply invested in this community,” Horton said. “Etowah County is our home, and its future matters to us.”
Horton closed his announcement by reiterating his campaign message: “A Sheriff for ALL with a Servant’s Heart.”
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