Cherokee County-Sheriff Jeff Shaver officially announced today that he will seek reelection in the May, 2026 Republican Primary, pledging to continue his commitment to public safety, transparency, and community service for the citizens of Cherokee County.

 “It has been the honor of my life to serve as your Sheriff,” said Shaver. “Together, we’ve made great progress in improving public safety, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our Sheriff’s Office operates with integrity, accountability, and professionalism. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished—but there is still more work to be done.”

 Sheriff Jeff Shaver began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1981 as an Alabama State Trooper Cadet. After graduating Trooper academy, he was assigned to Russell County before transferring to Cherokee County in 1983. Shaver earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University, reinforcing his strong foundation in public safety.

 During his service as a State Trooper, Sheriff Shaver earned several commendations, including two Thunderbolt Awards for recovering the most stolen vehicles in Alabama and was named Trooper of the Year. He advanced to the rank of corporal and then sergeant. As Assistant Post Commander at the Jacksonville Trooper Post, he supervised Troopers in eight counties until his retirement in 2006, the year he was elected Sheriff of Cherokee County.

Throughout his entire career as 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 increased patrols and drug-enforcement, and launched numerous innovative initiatives, including the creation of a mental health unit, a chaplain unit, an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Aviation Unit, and an Emergency Response Team (ERT), all to support emergency response and enhance public safety operations. Sheriff Shaver was also very instrumental in the creation of the Major Crimes Unit, which has led to a drastic decrease in violent crime in Cherokee County.

 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 deputies in local schools to ensure the safety of students and faculty while fostering strong relationships between youth and law enforcement.

 In 2021, all Alabama Sheriffs unanimously selected Jeff Shaver as “Sheriff of the Year. The award was in recognition of his outstanding leadership, collaborative spirit, and steadfast service to the law enforcement community.

 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. As part of an effort to increase transparency, Sheriff Shaver started a Sheriff’s Office website and social media pages right after taking office.

Sheriff Shaver attributes much of the Office’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 member of the Sheriff’s Office, recognizing that their efforts are the backbone of the agency’s effectiveness and its service to the community.

 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 dedication to public service.

 “I’ve seen first-hand the power of collaboration, the importance of accountability and the need for steady leadership and I want to continue to provide those things to Cherokee County,” said Shaver.

 Sheriff Shaver and his wife, Ginny, have three adult children and three grandchildren. They are long-time members of Tate’s Chapel Baptist Church.

 “I’m running for reelection to ensure that Cherokee County remains a safe, strong, and supportive place to live, work, and raise a family and I ask for your support to continue in that service,” said Shaver.

The official campaign kickoff will take place at F.C. Weiss Pub and Eatery from 5:00pm-6:30pm on Tuesday, October 7. All residents of the county are invited to attend.