Anniston, AL — Before a crowd of family, friends, and longtime law enforcement colleagues, Darrell E. Collins, Jr. officially announced his candidacy for Calhoun County Sheriff on Saturday, pledging to restore morale, strengthen leadership, and make public safety the cornerstone of the Sheriff’s Office from “Day One.”
Collins, who retired from public service after 30 years in law enforcement, began his remarks by thanking God, his wife Kim, and their two children, Ethan and Emma Grace, for their support.
Reflecting on a career that began at age 18, Collins highlighted his family’s long history of public service, noting that his father, grandfather, and other relatives all served in law enforcement roles across Alabama.
Over three decades, Collins has held numerous positions, including Fort Payne Police Officer, School Resource Officer, Sergeant, Alabama State Trooper, State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Special Agent and SWAT member, and Investigator with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. He currently serves as a Senior Security Representative for BAE Systems and continues his work as a firearms instructor and church security leader in Calhoun County.
During his campaign announcement, Collins said his focus will be on restoring morale within the Sheriff’s Office, supporting deputies, and re-establishing a culture of accountability and professionalism. He emphasized that effective leadership requires mentorship, fairness, and integrity.
“The Sheriff’s Office has lost too many talented deputies because of the current culture,” Collins said. “We will rebuild that culture through leadership and mentorship. Deputies need to know their leadership has their back when they’re right and will hold them accountable when they’re wrong.”
Collins’ platform includes enhanced leadership training, expanded opportunities for career advancement, and community engagement initiatives aimed at building public trust. He also addressed public safety concerns, stating that ensuring residents feel secure in their homes will be a top priority.
“There are places where people don’t feel safe in their own homes,” Collins said. “That ends when I’m Sheriff. We will make it undesirable for criminals to continue their business as usual. We will protect families.”
Faith, Collins noted, is central to his campaign. Quoting Isaiah 6:8, he said, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”
He encouraged supporters to assist through prayer, volunteering, and community outreach. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” Collins said. “Together, we can make Calhoun County a safer, stronger place to live and raise our families.”
Darrell and Kim Collins live in Choccolocco with their children, Ethan and Emma Grace. The family remains active in their church and community.
For more information about the campaign, visit www.CollinsForSheriff.com or follow Darrell Collins for Sheriff on Facebook.
