Etowah County Sheriff’s Office Showcases Accomplishments, Special Units, and Community Initiatives
GADSDEN, Ala. — July 3, 2025 – Etowah County Sheriff Jonathan Horton and Public Information Officer Josh Morgan visited WEIS Radio on Thursday morning to share a wide-ranging update on the Sheriff’s Office, including recent achievements on the global stage, details on special units, and ongoing efforts to strengthen community engagement and emergency services.
You can listen to the interview in its entirety here:
A major highlight was the department’s recent participation in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, held in Birmingham. Deputies from the part-time motor unit, along with Captain Will Farley, competed against law enforcement and fire personnel from around the world. The motor unit brought home two silver medals and a bronze, while Farley earned a gold medal in the archery category.
Captain Farley competed at the CMP Marksmanship Park in Talladega, shooting at varying distances without rangefinders, levels, or other aids, using freehand technique. Farley, a longtime member of the department, currently serves as the Captain of Logistics and has held various roles over the years.
The motor unit, which is a part-time assignment within the department, is composed of deputies who operate mounted motorcycles. Though not used in daily patrols, the unit is a frequent and visible presence at public functions such as parades, funeral escorts, and major community events. The unit is especially useful in high-traffic scenarios, like the annual World’s Longest Yard Sale that begins near Noccalula Falls, where maneuverability and rapid response are critical. The deputies are also scheduled to work during the City of Gadsden and Etowah Gadsden Patriots Association’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show.
Sheriff Horton expressed particular pride in the accomplishments of the motor unit, especially considering that many of the teams they competed against train on a full-time basis. He emphasized the skill level of his deputies and their representation of the department at an international level.
In addition to the motor unit and Captain Farley’s achievements, Sheriff Horton discussed several other specialty units within the department, including the aviation unit, marine unit, dive team, ACE unit, K-9 unit, Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG), which serves as the county’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
The aviation unit, composed of pilots and deputies, operates the department’s helicopter and plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, suspect searches, and vehicle pursuits. The helicopter also supports neighboring St. Clair County and was originally acquired through a military surplus program. With the current aircraft approaching the end of its flight-hour service life, the department has secured two additional helicopters from the U.S. Navy through the same program, ensuring continued aerial support at minimal cost to the county.
The marine unit, which includes two boats, is often deployed for search and rescue missions, waterway security, and recovery efforts. It also supports the dive team, a partnership with officers from the City of Gadsden. The dive team is frequently requested by surrounding counties to assist in complex underwater recovery operations.
Sheriff Horton emphasized the value of inter-agency collaboration. Strong relationships with nearby departments not only enhance Etowah County’s own capabilities but make the Sheriff’s Office a valuable regional resource. The Drug Enforcement Unit exemplifies this cooperative approach, as it is made up of officers from multiple local departments working alongside the District Attorney’s Office to address narcotics-related crime.
Another collaborative unit is the JSOG team, which Horton described as highly trained and capable of rivaling similar units across the country. JSOG members come from various law enforcement agencies and are specially trained for high-risk operations.
Sheriff Horton also announced the formation of a new Emergency Services Unit (ESU). One of the unique aspects of sheriff’s deputies, especially in rural counties like Etowah, is that they often respond to medical emergencies before fire or EMS crews arrive. The ESU will consist of “triple certified” deputies—those who are trained as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical responders. The department has worked to develop training partnerships and memorandums of understanding with surrounding fire departments to make this initiative possible.
The goal of the ESU is to improve outcomes in emergency situations where seconds matter. Deputies will be equipped with tools and training to provide life-saving care, going beyond basic CPR, until additional medical help arrives. Horton spoke of the difficulty deputies have experienced in the past when arriving at scenes where people were dying and unable to be helped due to lack of proper training or equipment—something he is determined to change through this new unit.
Another cornerstone of the department’s community outreach is the Student Leadership Academy, which recently graduated its 14th class. Juniors in the Etowah County School System may apply through their school counselor or School Resource Officer. Selected students participate in a week-long program where they begin each day with physical training, learn about various aspects of law enforcement—including first aid, aviation, forensics, and the marine unit—and culminate the experience with a ride-along during a deputy’s patrol shift.
Since the program began in 2012 under former Sheriff Todd Entrekin, at least five alumni have joined the Sheriff’s Office or other local law enforcement agencies. Others have gone on to successful careers in various fields. The program’s focus is on leadership development, with juniors chosen so they can return to school and share what they’ve learned during their senior year.
In addition to the Student Leadership Academy, the department supports youth education through the D.A.R.E. program. A recent D.A.R.E. conference held in Gadsden certified new officers to teach drug resistance education on school campuses and to lead the department’s annual D.A.R.E. summer camp.
Sheriff Horton was joined in the studio by Josh Morgan, the department’s Public Information Officer. In addition to managing communications and media relations, Morgan plays key roles in the department’s special units and internal organization. Horton praised Morgan’s efforts, describing him as an essential part of the team whose leadership and coordination help ensure smooth operations across the department. Horton said he is “The glue that holds it all together.”
Through continued investment in training, inter-agency cooperation, public outreach, and specialty units, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to serving the citizens of Etowah County with excellence, preparedness, and a deep sense of community responsibility.
