Chief Deputy Kerry Morgan has over 32 years of professional service, education,
training, and experience with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, having begun his
career on February 14, 1994. He has built a distinguished record of leadership and
operational expertise in service to the citizens of Jefferson County. As Chief Deputy,
Morgan oversees the daily operations and administration of the Birmingham District of
the Sheriff’s Office, helping guide the agency forward in its continued service to
Jefferson County. His responsibilities include managing personnel, coordinating with
division leadership, and ensuring the effective implementation of policies and
procedures in alignment with the Sheriff’s vision for the department.
He began his career in the Birmingham Corrections Division and served on the
Emergency Response Team before transferring to the Birmingham Patrol Division in
1998. Throughout his career, he rose through the ranks of Deputy, Sergeant,
Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. During his patrol career, he served in
specialized roles with the K-9 Unit and Bomb Squad and worked as a Field Training
Officer, mentoring new deputies. Chief Deputy Morgan later served as Captain of the
Birmingham Court Services Division and the Birmingham Patrol Operations Division, as
well as Deputy Chief of the Corrections Division, before assuming his current role as
Chief Deputy.
He is a graduate of W. A. Berry High School, Jacksonville State University, and the
University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy. He has received extensive training
in explosives handling, K-9 operations, homeland security, and emergency
management and is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award.
Chief Deputy Morgan is married to Megan Morgan, has three children, and resides in
the Oak Grove community of Jefferson County.

Assistant Sheriff Anthony Pippen joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 1980 as a Deputy. He worked in the Corrections, Patrol, and Vice & Narcotics Divisions. In 1994, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and worked the Corrections Division, including commanding the First Emergency Response Team. As a Sergeant, Assistant Sheriff Pippen was transferred to the Patrol Division where he supervised SWAT and later supervised the Vice and Narcotics Division. In 1998, Assistant Sheriff Pippen was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he worked in the Corrections and Civil Divisions. In addition, he worked with the FBI Drug Task Force and commanded the first Mobile Field Force. In 2002, he was promoted to the rank of Captain assigned as the Bessemer Enforcement Division Commander, which included the Patrol, Criminal, and Court Services Divisions. As Captain, Assistant Sheriff Pippen established the first “Cold Case” Unit at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He later commanded the School Resource Division where he spearheaded the increase of the operational force from 26 to 62 Deputies and deployed the manpower throughout Jefferson County and other local and private school systems. In 2019, he was assigned as the Commander of Patrol Operations for the Birmingham and Bessemer Divisions. In September 2019, the Assistant Sheriff was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief where he remained the Commander of the Birmingham and Bessemer Patrol Operations/Divisions. As Deputy Chief, Assistant Sheriff Pippen was responsible for the implementation of the Sheriff’s Neighborhood Enforcement Team (SNET). Due to the success of this team, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office SNET was featured on the popular A&E Television Show “Live PD”. In April of 2023, Anthony D. Pippen was appointed to the position of Assistant Sheriff over the Bessemer District. As Assistant Sheriff, the Bessemer Civil, Corrections, Criminal, Patrol, and multiple Special Operations Divisions fall under his command. Assistant Sheriff Pippen is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He also completed the Personnel Board of Jefferson County 360 Degree in Leadership and Professional Development Program. This program consists of 45 classes concentrated in four core areas: Leading People, Leading Processes, Professional Development, and Technical Development. Assistant Sheriff Pippen is the recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award.

Commander Philip Green is a 1992 cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has dedicated more than three decades of service to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1988 and has served in numerous operational and leadership assignments, including Jail Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Evidence Technician, Jail Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Property Crimes Lieutenant, Narcotics Lieutenant, Jail Captain, Patrol Division Captain, Criminal Division Captain, and currently as Commander of the Technology Division. He also oversees the Metro Area Crime Center (MACC).

As Technology Division Commander, he directs the evaluation, acquisition, integration, and deployment of technology systems supporting all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. He additionally leads the Metro Area Crime Center, a technology-driven, multiagency intelligence and investigative center focused on the collection, analysis, and sharing of criminal intelligence throughout the region. Commander Green also serves on the Board of Commissioners for the Jefferson County Emergency Communications District.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Commander Green is retired from military service, with nearly two decades of combined service in the United States Army, the Alabama National Guard, and the United States Army Reserve.

Deputy Chief NaShonda G. Howard has over 31 years of distinguished law enforcement experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and a Juris Doctor Degree from Miles College School of Law, Fairfield, Alabama, in May 2009.

Deputy Chief Howard joined the Birmingham Police Department on November 28, 1994. Following graduation from the Police Academy, she was assigned to the West Precinct as a Patrol Officer and later reassigned in 1996 as a Detective in the White-Collar Crime Unit. She was promoted to Sergeant in June 2002, serving in both the South and West Precincts.

In July 2009, she was assigned to Internal Affairs as an investigator. She was promoted to Lieutenant in July 2011 and served as Commander of the 911 Call Center, where she developed and implemented the Communication Training Officer (CTO) program and dispatcher certification standards in alignment with APCO and NENA guidelines. She also led major renovations and technological modernization of the 911 Call Center, improving operational efficiency and service delivery.

In August 2013, she served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Support Services and completed the Southeastern Law Enforcement Executive Development (SLEDS) program. She also served as Interim Chief Jail Administrator of the Birmingham Detention Division from May 2015 through June 2016.

Promoted to Captain on October 3, 2015, she held multiple command assignments, including Crimes Against Property, Internal Affairs, and the Special Victims Unit, demonstrating versatility and leadership across critical operational divisions.

Deputy Chief Howard is an FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award recipient and played a key role in organizing the 2018 FBI-LEEDA Conference in Birmingham. She also collaborated with the National Network for Safe Communities as part of the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice, focusing on strengthening police-community relationships.

On September 14, 2019, she joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, where she commanded Internal Affairs and the Academy and Training Divisions. She is a Certified Affirmative Action Professional (CAAP) and serves as the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EID) Officer, supporting equal opportunity, compliance, and organizational fairness initiatives across the agency.

In 2022, she founded the First Local Women in Law Enforcement Conference, which convenes female leaders from across the nation to collaborate, share best practices, and promote the advancement and professional development of women in law enforcement.

On April 30, 2023, she was promoted by Sheriff Mark L. Pettway to Deputy Chief. She currently commands the Academy and Training Division, Court Services Division, Internal Affairs Division, Support Services Division, and School Resources Division.

She also serves on the agency’s Accreditation Team and earned her Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Accreditation Manager certification in July 2023.

Deputy Chief Howard enjoys traveling globally and values time spent with her family. She is married to Reginald W. Howard. She is widely respected for her leadership grounded in service, integrity, and mentorship, with a strong commitment to developing others and strengthening organizational unity. She actively fosters teamwork, professional development, and organizational unity through wellness initiatives, athletic programs, and team-building events, including golf, softball, and participation in major law enforcement engagement activities such as the World Games.

She is recognized as a leader who leads with integrity, fairness, and approachability, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence, inclusion, and service.

Deputy Chief John F. Weatherly Jr. began his law enforcement career with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in May 1989. Deputy Chief Weatherly is a graduate from G.W. Carver High School, Birmingham Alabama. He studied Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Music at Florida A&M University. Deputy Chief Weatherly is a graduate of the Birmingham Police Academy. He has over 37 years of experience working in a variety of divisions. As a Deputy he worked in the Corrections Division, FTO Patrol Division, Vice and Narcotics, and the Criminal Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2008, Lieutenant in 2016, Captain in 2019, and Deputy Chief in 2023. He is a member of the National Sheriff’s Office Association – NSA, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police – FOP and a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement – NOBLE. Deputy Chief Weatherly is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, who has worked in both the Birmingham and Bessemer Division of the Sheriff’s Office. He is the Deputy Chief over the Birmingham Criminal Division (Crimes against Persons, Property Crimes, Evidence Technicians, Victim Assistance Unit, and the Sex Offenders), and the Bessemer Criminal Divisions (Crimes against Persons, Property Crimes, Victim Assistance Unit, Warrants and Court Service).

Deputy Chief John Mayes is a veteran law enforcement leader with 50 years of dedicated service to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as of February 2026, having begun his career on February 23, 1976, in the Center Point Patrol Division. Early in his tenure, he was selected for the agency’s SWAT Team, where he served from 1977 to 1980.

Deputy Chief Mayes has built his career on patrol operations, developing deep operational knowledge and leadership experience across the county. He served in the Birmingham Warrant Detail from 1996 to 1997 before returning to patrol in the Birmingham Division.

Promoted to Sergeant in January 2000, he led the Center Point Night Shift and later served as a Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) Sergeant, playing a key role in training and mentoring new deputies.

In 2008, he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the East Division, where he served for over a decade. In 2019, he was promoted to Captain and appointed Commander of the Birmingham Patrol Division, overseeing operations and personnel in one of the county’s primary divisions.

In March 2023, he was promoted to Deputy Chief. In his current role, Deputy Chief Mayes provides executive leadership and operational oversight for the Birmingham and Bessemer Patrol Divisions, the two primary patrol divisions within the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Chief Mayes holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Jefferson State Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Samford University.

He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 54 years. Together, they have two children and two grandchildren, one of whom is currently serving as a deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Chief Anthony J. Dotson is a twenty-five year veteran with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He previously worked in the Birmingham Criminal Division and served as the Commander (Captain) for the Bessemer Criminal and Civil Divisions. He is currently over the new Special Operations Division as the Deputy Chief.

Captain Dotson is a graduate of Miles College, with a Social Science Degree in Political Science. He has received three letters of Commendation for outstanding performance in the line of duty. Before becoming a Captain, Deputy Chief Dotson worked as a Lieutenant in the Birmingham Criminal Division, overseeing Youth Services, Sex Offenders, Vice and Narotics, and the Victim’s Assistance Units of both sworn and non-sworn personnel. As a Captain, he spearheaded a campaign to obtain a task force to better serve the citizens in the Fairfield and Bessemer areas against the continuous spree of violent crimes.

Deputy Chief Dotson has been a Licensed Polygraph Examiner for over 15 years, serving as Vice President for the State of Alabama. He is a Crisis Intervention Team member, graduate of the FBI Trilogy Course, and a CALEA Accreditation Manager. Deputy Chief Dotson is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 288, Class of 2023.

Deputy Chief Dotson belongs to several professional and social organizations. He is a member is the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Sparks (Civil Servant Leadership), Masonic Member (Seven Wise Men Lodge #1), and has been a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for over 27 years.

Deputy Chief Dotson, emphasizes the importance of bringing his past experience as a veteran in the United States Navy as a Detective for the Sheriff’s Office to those who are under his command. These two accolades speaks to his understanding of the challenges faced by detectives, deputies and non-sworn personnel. Along with his experience, he believes that effective police work is having the information, training and resources to ensure that we are bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community so that justice can be served.

Captain Charles Jaeger joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 1990. With over thirty-three years of law enforcement experience, his career has been marked by exceptional dedication to serving the citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama. In his career he served as a Deputy in the Corrections and Patrol Divisions before becoming a founding member of the School Resource Division, utilizing innovative technology like IBM’s Star Force computerized car.

Later, in 2003, he was promoted to Sergeant and became involved in enhancing automation and training for all personnel. His extensive experience includes collaboration with the Air Support Unit, Records Bureau, Identification Bureau, Fleet management, IT User Support, and the technology utilized at the Metro Area Crime Center. With a talent for identifying mission-critical needs and crafting effective action plans, he gains trust by delivering exemplary follow-up support, resolving technology-related issues.

Beyond his law enforcement endeavors, Charles finds strength and guidance through his faith, actively participating in his local church congregation. His faith significantly shapes his life, instilling in him the values of compassion, integrity, and service to others. This deeply rooted belief system influences his approach to his role as a law enforcement professional, contributing to his exemplary track record in implementing new technologies and innovations to better serve the community. With a passion for enhancing the technology needs of the largest sheriff’s office in Alabama, Captain Jaeger continues to lead by example, inspiring trust and fostering effective resolutions to technology-related issues and advancing the technology needs of the Jefferson County sheriff’s office.

Captain James Perry joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on March 29, 1993, beginning a career that has spanned over three decades. Throughout his service, he has held important roles in various divisions, including the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham, Birmingham Enforcement, the School Resource Division, and the Sex Offender Unit. Captain Perry has supervised staff in multiple divisions, such as the Jefferson County Jail, Bessemer Enforcement, and Internal Affairs. His work as a Sex Offender Detective, Crimes Against Property Detective, and Crimes Against Persons Detective has contributed significantly to the arrest and conviction of many offenders, highlighting his dedication and expertise.

Captain Perry is currently assigned to the Birmingham Court Services Division, where he oversees warrant operations, the execution of civil court papers, and court security.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Captain Perry serves as an Assistant Pastor at a local church in the metro Birmingham area. This role complements his position as a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain, allowing him to serve both his community and his faith. His combined experience in law enforcement and ministry enables him to lead with professionalism, integrity, and a Christ-like approach in all situations.

Captain Russell “Rusty” Starnes is a graduate of Pinson Valley High School and began his service with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy in 1995. In 1997, he transitioned to full-time employment in the Corrections Division, beginning a distinguished career in public safety.

In 2002, Captain Starnes joined the Patrol Division, where he served in a variety of specialized and leadership roles. He has been a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, Bomb Squad, and the Field Training Officer Program. In 2011, he was selected to serve as Bomb Squad Commander.

Captain Starnes was promoted to Sergeant in 2008, serving as a Shift Patrol Sergeant and later as Substation Lieutenant in the East Patrol Division. Throughout his career, he has commanded the Birmingham and Bessemer Patrol Divisions, as well as the Birmingham Court Services Division. He currently serves as the Captain of the Birmingham Criminal Division.

Captain Starnes has completed the Jefferson County Personnel Board’s 360 Degree Leadership and Professional Development Program and the Leadership Center Point course. He is also a recipient of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) Trilogy Award. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration and an Associate degree in Business Management from Columbia Southern University, where he graduated cum laude.

I currently serve as the Commander of the Bessemer Criminal Division. With more than thirty-two years of professional education, training, and experience as a deputy sheriff, I have worked across multiple divisions within the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, including both the Birmingham District and the Bessemer Cut-Off District. Throughout my tenure, I have served in a variety of operational and leadership roles, gaining broad experience in both field operations and corrections.

As a deputy, I served in the Correction Division, K-9 Unit, and Enforcement Division. Upon promotion to sergeant, I continued my service in the Correction and Enforcement Divisions and later in the Criminal Division, specializing in property crimes. As a lieutenant, I was assigned to the Bessemer Enforcement Division, where I further developed my leadership and operational management skills.

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, majoring in Criminal Justice (Justice Science) with a concentration in Policing and a minor in Sociology. In May 2016, I earned my Juris Doctor from Miles Law School, further strengthening my knowledge of legal principles and their application in law enforcement.

In addition to my operational responsibilities, I serve as an Adjunct Instructor at the Sheriff’s Office Training Center, where I contribute to the development of well-trained deputies. I have played a key role in instructing Crisis Intervention and Civil Disturbance, including teaching Basic Recruit Classes on civil unrest response. I am also certified to provide firearms instruction in pistol, shotgun, and patrol rifle.

Leveraging my legal education, I provide instruction on laws related to arrest, detention, and use of force, as well as relevant sections of the Code of Alabama pertaining to corrections. I also assist with the Citizen’s Firearms Academy, helping educate community members on the safe handling and use of firearms.

During my time as the Bessemer Patrol Lieutenant, I was instrumental in the creation, development, and implementation of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Dive/Rescue Team, composed of both full-time and reserve deputies. This initiative enhanced the agency’s operational capabilities and emergency response readiness.

My career reflects a continued commitment to professional development, effective leadership, and service to both the Sheriff’s Office and the community.

Captain Frank M. Belcher began his Law Enforcement Career with the Fairfield Police Department in January of 1990. During his tenure with the City of Fairfield, he served as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Detective and Coordinator/Instructor of Fairfield’s D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program. Belcher was also named Fairfield’s Officer of the Year in 1994.

In June of 2000, Belcher transferred to the Midfield Police Department. During his tenure with the City of Midfield, he served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and he spent his last 10 years in Midfield as Chief of Police. During his time in Midfield, Belcher attended the Birmingham School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate Degree in 2005. As Chief of Police, Belcher was also recognized as a Law Enforcement Executive by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP), after completing 240 hours of Continuing Education Credit.

In October of 2019, Belcher retired from the City of Midfield, and he joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. Since joining the Sheriff’s Department, Captain Belcher has served as a Lieutenant in the Birmingham Civil Division, Captain of the Birmingham Corrections Division, and he currently serves as Captain of the Birmingham Patrol Division.

Captain Belcher credits his Faith, Family and Co-Workers for the successful Law Enforcement Career he’s enjoyed, and he looks forward to continuing to serve as he furthers his career with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

Captain Terry Guinn was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, has been married to Chaketa Guinn for 38 years and has two adult children.

Captain Terry Guinn has over 40 years of law enforcement experience. He began his law enforcement career in 1984 with the Texas Department of Corrections. In 1988 Captain Terry Guinn relocated to Alabama and began working with the Alabama Department of Corrections. In 1989 Captain Terry Guinn was hired by the Birmingham Police Department and worked at the Birmingham City Jail. After serving seven years with Birmingham, Captain Terry Guinn transferred to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 and was assigned to the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham. In 2002 Captain Terry Guinn was reassigned to The Jefferson County Bessemer Patrol Division, where he patrolled unincorporated areas of the Bessemer District. In 2004 Captain Terry Guinn was reassigned to the School Resource Division and worked at several county schools as the School Resource Officer. In 2008 Captain Terry Guinn was reassigned to the Bessemer Criminal Division as a Youth Services Detective, where his duties involved investigating crimes against children. In 2015 Captain Terry Guinn was promoted to sergeant and was reassigned to the Birmingham Corrections Division and supervised the dayshift activities. In 2017 Captain Terry Guinn was reassigned to the Bessemer Criminal Division where he investigated murders, assaults, sex crimes and property crimes. In 2020 Captain Terry Guinn was promoted to Lieutenant and was reassigned to the Bessemer Corrections Division where he supervised 7 sergeants. In 2023 Captain Terry Guinn was promoted to Captain and has been assigned to both Birmingham and Bessemer Corrections Division. In 2025 Captain Terry Guinn was reassigned as the Commander of The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Division later that year as the Commander of the School Resource Division.

Captain Michael Jackson joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in May 2001. He is presently the commander of the Internal Affairs Division. Captain Jackson has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. He successfully completed the 360° Leader Program (Leading People, Managing Processes, Professional Development, and Civil Servant Leadership), On Deck Leadership Program, and MPACT (Managers Performing All Competencies Today) Program through the Personnel Board of Jefferson County. Captain Jackson also completed the Command Leadership Institute, Executive Leadership Institute, and Managing and Conducting Internal Affairs Investigations through FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association).

Captain Jackson began his career in the Birmingham Corrections Division. While there, he was a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT). Captain Jackson credits his years of service at the jail for his communication skills and de-escalation skills. Captain Jackson spent the next eight years of his career in the Birmingham Patrol Division where he patrolled the Center Point area. During that time, he was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce in 2008, and he received an Award of Recognition for his Service and Protection by Neighborhood Watch in 2009.

Captain Jackson was promoted to Detective Deputy in the Birmingham Criminal Division in 2013, where he investigated property crimes, such as burglary, theft of property, auto theft, and fraudulent use of credit/debit cards. In 2015, Captain Jackson transferred to the Youth Services Unit in the Birmingham Criminal Division where he investigated cases involving child abuse/neglect, missing persons, internet solicitation of children, and child death investigations. In addition to those duties, he investigated cases that involved crimes against persons such as rape, robbery, assault, and murder. Captain Jackson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2019 and supervised the Youth Services Unit. In 2023, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and managed the Birmingham Criminal Division which included the Crimes Against Persons Unit, Property Crimes, Sex Offender Unit, Evidence Collection Unit, and the Property Room. Captain Jackson moved to the Internal Affairs Division in December 2024 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in April 2026.

Captain Jackson has received numerous commendations for his outstanding work over the years. His extensive training in leadership, criminal investigations, and law enforcement operations has solidified his reputation as a trusted and proactive member of the law enforcement community.

Captain Danny Barrett began his Law Enforcement career September 19, 1992. He has 34 years of professional education, training and experience. As a Deputy Sheriff, he worked in the Birmingham Corrections Division, Birmingham Patrol Division as a Deputy, Sergeant and Lieutenant. He also Served as a Patrol Lieutenant in the Bessemer Division During that time, he was a member of the K-9 Unit, Street Crimes Unit, HWY Safety Unit, Vice and Narcotics and was a Field Training Officer.

Captain Barrett is currently the Commander of the Special Operations Division. Captain Barrett attended Woodlawn High School, The Jefferson County Law Enforcement Academy and Columbia Southern University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.

While serving with the Sheriff’s Office, Captain Barrett has received extensive training in K-9 Tracking, Detection work and is a K-9 instructor, emergency management, narcotics, SWAT and is currently attending additional leadership classes. Captain Barrett has 3 children and resides in the Bagley community of Jefferson County.

Captain K.W. Grant began her career with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 1994 and has over 32 years of dedicated service. Her career reflects a proven record of progressive leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.

Her experience includes leadership roles in the Bessemer Criminal Division, Bessemer Patrol Division, and Birmingham Corrections Division, demonstrating her versatility and comprehensive understanding of agency-wide functions.

Earlier in her career, she served as a Sergeant and a Detective in the Sex Offender Unit. She also took great pleasure in serving as a School Resource Officer, playing a vital role in campus safety and mentoring youth through programs such as D.A.R.E. G.R.E.A.T., helping to strengthen community trust and engagement.

Captain Grant holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Lawson State Community College.

Her professional development includes serving as a facilitator for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy, equipping personnel with critical skills for responding to individuals in crisis. She has completed advanced leadership programs, including the 360 Leader Program and MPACT through the Jefferson County Personnel Board. In 2017, she was awarded the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award for completing the Executive, Command, and Supervisor Leadership Institutes—an achievement that underscores her commitment to executive leadership and lifelong learning.

Captain Grant remains steadfast in her commitment to mentoring future leaders, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and service. Her leadership ability is grounded in experience, guided by the mission of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, supported by a loving family, and sustained by her faith in the creator.

Captain McCreless began his public service career in 2001 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served on active duty as a Military Policeman until 2005, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

Following his honorable discharge, Captain McCreless began his law enforcement career with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2005. He has served in a variety of assignments across the agency, beginning in the Corrections Division as a Deputy before transitioning to Patrol. During his time as a Deputy, he also served on the Emergency Response Team (ERT), was a member of the SWAT Team for five years, and served in the School Resource Officer (SRO) Division.

Captain McCreless holds an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University.

In 2016, Captain McCreless was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During his tenure as a Sergeant, he served in the Corrections Division, worked in Training and Administration, and held the role of Emergency Response Team (ERT) Sergeant.

In 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant, where he served as an Administrative Lieutenant overseeing the Corrections Division and as the ERT Commander. That same year, Captain McCreless and his wife, Dana, became small business owners, opening Main Street Fitness driven by Calera CrossFit, which they have operated since 2020.

In 2023, he was assigned to Patrol in the Forestdale area before transferring to Center Point, where he continued serving as a Lieutenant.

Captain McCreless recently completed the 10-month MPACT (Managers Preparing to Accomplish Change Today / Managers Performing All Competencies Today) leadership development program, further strengthening his leadership, organizational, and strategic management capabilities.

In April 2026, Captain McCreless was promoted to his current rank and now serves on the Command Staff, continuing his commitment to leadership, professionalism, and service to the citizens of Jefferson County.

Captain McCreless is a second-generation law enforcement officer, continuing a family tradition of service. His son has recently begun his career with the Birmingham Police Department, representing the third generation of law enforcement in the McCreless family.

He is married to his wife, Dana, and together they have three children and three grandchildren.

Captain William Powell serves as Director of the Jefferson County Law Enforcement Academy, bringing more than 25 years of law enforcement experience with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. His professional journey began in 2001 as a member of Basic Academy Session #7, where he served as Class President and received the Director’s Award for Leadership. Today, he leads the same institution that helped shape the foundation of his law enforcement career. Captain Powell began his career in Corrections before transitioning to Patrol and later serving as a Detective in Youth Services. Promoted to Sergeant in 2008, he held numerous leadership assignments in Corrections Administration, Training, Patrol, the Academy, and Operations. His commitment to professional development led him to serve as an Academy Instructor, where he contributed to preparing future law enforcement officers for the responsibilities and challenges of the profession. In 2023, Captain Powell was promoted to Lieutenant and served as the agency’s Training Coordinator and Senior Academy Instructor. He was subsequently promoted to Captain and appointed Director of the Jefferson County Law Enforcement Academy, where he oversees the development and delivery of law enforcement training and professional education. Captain Powell graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Organizational Leadership. His professional credentials include National Certified Instructor certification through the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) and the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. In 2019, he was recognized by Columbia Southern University as the Outstanding Law Enforcement Professional Runner-Up. He has also completed the Personnel Board of Jefferson County’s Civil Servant Leadership, On-Deck Leadership, and MPACT Professional Development programs. A retired U.S. military service member and former paratrooper, Captain Powell brings a foundation of discipline, service, leadership, and accountability to his work. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, an organization whose commitment to brotherhood, scholarship, and service complements his dedication to leadership and community engagement. As Academy Director, Captain Powell is committed to cultivating a culture of excellence through quality instruction, mentorship, discipline, accountability, and continuous professional development. His vision is to prepare law enforcement professionals who are not only competent and well-trained, but also ethical, service-minded, and prepared to meet the evolving demands of the profession.

Captain Terry Hale graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School in 1998 and went on to play collegiate basketball for Cambria County Area Community College in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He began his law enforcement career in 2001 with Samford University Campus Safety, where he gained foundational experience in campus policing and completed the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy in 2002.

Captain Hale joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2003. He served in the Bessemer Corrections Division and was a member of the Emergency Response Team before transferring to the Birmingham Patrol Division in Center Point. In 2008, he was assigned to the Vice and Narcotics Division, where he worked as a Deputy Investigator and a Sergeant. His work included supervising complex investigations, authoring and reviewing hundreds of search warrants, managing confidential informants, and mentoring personnel in tactical operations, investigative strategy, and officer safety.

He later served in the Bessemer Criminal Division as a Detective Sergeant and returned to the Birmingham Corrections Division as the Evening and Night Shift Commander at the rank of Lieutenant. He then returned to the Vice and Narcotics Division as the Lieutenant. Captain Hale currently serves as the Commander of the Bessemer Patrol Division, where he leads personnel in proactive policing, community engagement, and operational excellence.

Throughout his career, Captain Hale has demonstrated a commitment to leadership development, policy compliance, and strengthening agency operations. His diverse experience across corrections, patrol, criminal investigations, and narcotics enforcement reflects more than two decades of dedicated service to Jefferson County.

Captain Hale resides in the Irondale area with his wife of 19 years, Lorien, and their daughter, Ella.