Chief Deputy Eric Woodall recently announced his candidacy for Jackson County Sheriff. Woodall stated, “My name is Eric Woodall, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Jackson County.
I have been employed with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for 26 consecutive years and currently serve as Chief Deputy of the department.
I began my service with the Sheriff’s Office in 1999 and was promoted through the ranks from Patrol Deputy to Investigator, then on to Sergeant, Captain, and Major of the Investigations Division.
I served as the Chief Investigator and third in command for 14 years under the administrations of Sheriff Dennis Miller and Sheriff Chuck Phillips. During my time at the Sheriff’s Office, I have served under and received promotions from each of the four administrations of Sheriff Mike Wells, Sheriff Dennis Miller, Sheriff Chuck Phillips and Sheriff Rocky Harnen.
No matter what changes in administration occurred, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, its mission, and the communities and people of Jackson County.
I have experience at all levels of law enforcement operations, and I am eager to use that experience to lead progress and development in the Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to my service with the Sheriff’s Office, I have served on the FBI Violent Crimes Taskforce and the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. I was also selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., which is considered one of the most prestigious leadership training academies for law enforcement in the world.
I graduated from that program and have put the skills and techniques learned there to use in my career since that time.
I have served my community outside of my job as well, serving on the Board of Directors for the Jackson County Child Advocacy Center, the Department of Human Resources, and Family Wellness Court.
I am currently a member of the Jackson County Juvenile Policy Council, and was honored to be selected for the Jackson County Leadership Class of 2023.
During my years with Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, I have seen much change and progress. As Sheriff, I will lead the initiation of implementation of some necessary updates in training, technology and equipment.
I will increase the department’s efforts to be proactive, and work to ensure we are doing all we can to protect the safety and well-being of every individual.
The Sheriff’s Office will operate efficiently thanks to the solid foundation of its most valuable resources: its employees.
I will empower each employee to achieve excellence in their job and ensure they have all the training and equipment they need to effectively serve and protect the people of our county.
Finally, I would like to offer my assurance that I stand ready to assume command of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and will provide strong, experienced leadership from day one without disruption to employees or service to the community.
I look forward to meeting and talking with citizens across our county in the coming months and sharing my vision for the Sheriff’s Office. I welcome questions and opportunities to engage with groups and individuals. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime at 256-575-7241.
Together, we can continue to build a safer and stronger Jackson County. I humbly ask for your support and your vote.”
The primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
