Words and Images by Al Blanton
The Alabama Sheriffs Association (ASA) held its 2026 Winter Conference at Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham, Alabama, from January 18-21, 2026. Hosted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the conference included speakers, vendors, training sessions, and a banquet to install the president of the ASA for 2026-27, Sheriff Billy Murray of St. Clair County.
The conference began on Sunday with an 11:00 a.m. devotional, followed by vendor set-up, an ASA executive session, and a welcome reception in the ballroom with distinguished guests, including number of statewide and national political candidates.
Monday’s opening session began with a welcome from Sheriff Murray and ASA Executive Director Huey “Hoss” Mack, followed by the invocation by Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon. The presentation of the colors was made by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, and the national anthem was sung by the Miles College choir. Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway delivered opening remarks.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the Monday session and welcomed the sheriffs to Jefferson County included Birmingham Chief of Police Michael Pickett, Hoover Chief of Police Clay Morris, Jefferson County District 2 Commissioner Sheila Tyson, and Jefferson County District 3 Commissioner James A. “Jimmie” Stephens.
Speakers for Monday’s conference slate included Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham on the IGNITE program; Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director Thomas Albritton; Director of Elections – Alabama Secretary of State’s Office – Jeff Elrod; and representatives from KinderVision/Teen PSA Nancy Sebastian, Tami Speth, and Dr. Marilyn Lewis.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) made a special appearance on Monday, providing remarks and issuing challenge coins to all sheriffs in attendance. “I was honored to bring greetings at the Alabama Sheriffs Association Winter Conference and present our law enforcement officials with challenge coins in recognition of their hard work and dedication. We’re grateful for everything they do to keep our communities safe!” Rep. Sewell stated.
Monday’s Featured Speaker was Chief Mark Cheatham, who spoke on AI and the Art of Adjudication during the afternoon session.
A “Tailgate Party” for sheriffs, registered staff and guests, and selected vendors was held in the ballroom that evening, and attendees were asked to wear the colors of their favorite teams. Guests enjoyed food and fellowship while watching the 2026 College Football National Championship Game, pitting the University of Miami against Indiana University.
Tuesday began with an executive session, followed by various speakers throughout the morning and afternoon, including Bradley Jeffries of Vine, Bob Copus of Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, Tony Garrett and Seddrick Hill of Crime Stoppers of Central Alabama, and American Village CEO Alen Miller.
The Featured Speaker on Tuesday was Deputy Chief AJ DeAndrea (Retired), whose presentation was entitled Dark Nights of the Soul: When Terror Hits Home.
On Tuesday evening, the President’s banquet was highlighted by the installation of Sheriff Murray as the association’s new president. In other presentations, Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway, Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson, and Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims were sworn in as officers by the Honorable James Hill. Sheriff Phil Sims received the Robert D. “Bobby” Timmons Sheriff of the Year Award, and National Sheriffs Association Executive Director Justin Smith provided remarks as the banquet’s guest speaker.
The banquet concluded with Sheriff Murray’s Presidential Address, followed by announcements and concluding remarks from Sheriff Mack.
“It is truly an honor to represent my fellow Alabama Sheriffs as their President. It is a great professional honor,” said Sheriff Murray. “As President of the Alabama Sheriffs Association, my commitment is to advocate for the sheriffs across the state, to protect the independence and authority of the office of sheriff, to strengthen training, communication, and collaboration, and to ensure that our voices are heard clearly in this state and beyond.”
Our 2026 winter conference was one of the best conferences we have ever had,” added ASA Executive Director Hoss Mack. “We had great speakers, great fellowship, quality training, and seized the opportunity to continue advancing the office of Sheriff in the State of Alabama. A special thank you to Sheriff Pettway and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for once again being our host sheriff. As we look forward to the year ahead, we will continue to advance our organization to support all of Alabama‘s 67 sheriffs.”
“Hosting the 2026 Alabama Sheriffs Association Winter Conference reflected the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office commitment to collaboration, training, and public safety leadership. The Association brings Alabama’s 67 sheriffs together to address evolving challenges, including crisis intervention, public safety, cybersecurity, and AI, while strengthening the relationships that protect communities statewide. As the newly inducted Treasurer, I’m honored to help steward the Association’s work and support its continued impact.”
Upcoming events for the ASA include the annual Legislative Cookout in Montgomery, Ala., on February 10, and the ASA Summer Conference from July 12 to 15. For more information on the Alabama Sheriffs Association, please visit alabamasheriffs.org. 67
Click here for a full gallery from the ASA 2026 Winter Conference.
