The Alabama Sheriffs Association (ASA) recently completed its annual Summer Conference, held at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama, from July 5-9, 2025. The theme was “Celebrating the Alabama Sheriff,” and conference activities included educational presentations made by speakers, set-ups from over 80 vendors, and lots of food and fun. Visits by Senator Tommy Tuberville and other statewide candidates put a punctuation mark on the annual get-together of county law enforcement officials.
“Sheriffs from throughout the state of Alabama arrived in Orange Beach on July 5th thru 9th for the Alabama Sheriffs Summer Training Conference,” said St. Clair County Sheriff and ASA Board President Billy Murray. “The intensive training was conducted by subject matter experts and was comprehensive on issues affecting sheriffs across the state. The training was both important and vital for sheriffs and the successful operation of their offices.”
Monday’s opening ceremonies began with a presentation of the colors by The Black Hats Honor Guard, followed by keynote speaker Lt. Dan Willis, author of Bulletproof Spirit and Police Resilience, who spoke on mental health and wellness as it relates to the stresses of the job. Speakers for the afternoon session on Monday included Yesim Karaman, Director of Governmental Affairs for the National Sheriffs Association; Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen; Jeff Elrod, Director of Elections for the Alabama Secretary of State; and Holly McCorkle for the Alabama Council for Behavioral Healthcare.
One of the highlights of the day was the afternoon presentation by Sheriff Mark Lamb (Ret.) from Pinal County, Arizona, and his wife, Janel. Known as “American Sheriff,” Lamb is a two-decade veteran of law enforcement and published author who spoke on the commitment a sheriff makes and how it impacts his family. “The Alabama Sheriffs did it again! What did they do? Put together an amazing conference with great speakers, exhibitors, food, and friendship,” said Sheriff Lamb. “The Alabama Sheriffs are an amazing group of men and women who exemplify leadership in law enforcement and commitment to their constituents. My wife and I were blessed to be able to participate in the conference and felt at home amongst friends. Thank you, Alabama Sheriffs!”
Monday’s session concluded with an annual favorite, the Sheriffs Cookout and Auction, held at the Resort’s Grand Reef Ballroom. Guests were entertained by live music presented by Mirage, as well as a live auction with several items donated by generous individuals and businesses.
Tuesday was chock-full of activities, including vendor door prizes, a ladies’ excursion sponsored by Cardiac Solutions, and presentations by guest speakers, including Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Senator Chris Elliott (R-Baldwin County), Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, Representative Rex Reynolds (R-Madison County), Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm, and Director of Security/Operation at The Wharf, Jim Bibby.
Afternoon speakers for the conference included Special Agent Richard Pillsbury, U.S. Secret Service; Amy McAfee, RN- ADPH SUID Reporting; Nolan Weeks with HealthCred Care; and Angelo Della Manna of ADFS.
The conference concluded on Wednesday with an Alabama Sheriffs Foundation Update by Alabama Sheriffs Foundation President Heath Jackson, and updates from the Alabama County Commission Association’s (ACCA) Sonny Brasfield and CRS.
Overall, classes were held on election security, executive protections, immigration customs enforcement, mental health, legislative updates, technology, and leadership.
“This was our largest ASA Summer Conference we have ever held, as over 60 of Alabama’s 67 sheriffs were in attendance during most of the conference, as well as many deputies and corrections officers,” said ASA Executive Director and former Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack. “The Alabama Sheriffs Foundation presented a $75,000 check to the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranch System for operations and expansion opportunities and awarded three $2,500 scholarships to employees of sheriffs and sheriff’s families to attend college. Sheriffs not only learned from our speakers, but from one another, embodying our motto ‘No Sheriff Shall Stand Alone.’”
The 2026 ASA Winter Education Conference will be held from January 18 to 21 at Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham, Alabama.
ABOUT THE ALABAMA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION (ASA): Instituted in 1889, the ASA encourages social, charitable, and educational activities among Alabama’s 67 sheriffs. For more information on the organization, please visit alabamasheriffs.com.
