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 featured speakers, vendors, training sessions, and a banquet to install the president of the ASA for the 2026–27 term, Sheriff Billy Murray of St. Clair County.
The conference began Sunday with an 11:00 a.m. devotional, followed by vendor setup, an ASA executive session, and a welcome reception in the ballroom. Distinguished guests were in attendance, including several statewide and national political candidates.
Monday’s opening session began with a welcome from Sheriff Murray and ASA Executive Director Huey “Hoss” Mack. Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon delivered the invocation, followed by the presentation of the colors by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Honor Guard. The Miles College choir performed the national anthem, Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway delivered opening remarks.
Other dignitaries who spoke during 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, who spoke on the IGNITE program; Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director Thomas Albritton; Director of Elections at the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office Jeff Elrod; and representatives from KinderVision/Teen PSA, including Nancy Sebastian, Tami Speth, and Dr. Marilyn Lewis.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) made a special appearance Monday, offering remarks and presenting 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 addressed attendees during the afternoon session with a presentation titled AI and the Art of Adjudication.
That evening, a Tailgate Party was held in the ballroom for sheriffs, registered staff and guests, and selected vendors. Attendees were encouraged to wear the colors of their favorite teams while enjoying food and fellowship and watching the 2026 College Football National Championship Game between the University of Miami and Indiana University.
Tuesday began with an executive session, followed by a full slate of 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 (Retired) AJ DeAndrea, whose presentation was titled Dark Nights of the Soul: When Terror Hits Home.
Tuesday evening concluded with the President’s Banquet, highlighted by the installation of Sheriff Murray as the Association’s new president. During the banquet, 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 delivered 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 Sheriff 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 hosts. 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,” said Sheriff Pettway. “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 on February 10 and the ASA Summer Conference, scheduled for July 12–15. For more information on the Alabama Sheriffs Association, visit alabamasheriffs.org. WL
Click here for a full gallery from the ASA 2026 Winter Conference.
