CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — Calhoun County Sheriff Falon Hurst has announced that he is seeking election to continue serving in the role, outlining his background, experience, and priorities in a public statement.
Hurst said he is “beyond blessed” to have spent the past year serving as Sheriff and is seeking election to continue the work already underway.
“I am seeking election to continue the work we have started—building a professional, accountable, and forward-moving Sheriff’s Office that is present for you,” Hurst said.
According to Hurst, he is a lifelong resident of Calhoun County, having been born and raised locally. He noted that he was born at Regional Medical Center and has spent his life in the community.
Hurst said he is a graduate of Saks High School and Jacksonville State University and has worked in law enforcement since 2006. He currently lives in Ohatchee with his wife, Kristin, and their children, Greenlie and Asa.
Hurst stated that he has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including 16 years with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. During that time, he said he has worked in every area of the department.
In addition to his professional experience, Hurst emphasized the role education has played in preparing him for leadership.
“I have found education to be instrumental in helping me navigate the nuanced complexities involved in the legalities of running a public organization,” Hurst said.
Hurst said his educational background includes a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, an Associate’s degree in Accounting, and a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education earned through the FBI National Academy.
Hurst described the Sheriff’s Office as a large and complex organization, noting that it includes approximately 150 employees, ongoing operations, and the management of public resources.
“A Sheriff’s Office is not only a law enforcement agency—it is a large and complex organization,” Hurst said.
He added that his experience in leadership roles, along with service on nonprofit and community boards, has helped him develop the ability to manage multi-million dollar budgets responsibly and in compliance with legal standards.
Since being appointed Sheriff, Hurst said his focus has been on strengthening the agency’s foundation. He pointed to efforts to improve professionalism, increase accountability, and create opportunities for employee growth.
According to Hurst, staffing has also been a priority.
“We have grown from a consistent shortage across all divisions to being stable and fully staffed,” Hurst said.
Hurst also highlighted community engagement as a key component of effective law enforcement, stating that trust between the agency and the public is essential.
“Law enforcement is most effective when there is trust between the agency and the public,” he said. “If your community has an event, or a problem, we will be there with you.”
Hurst additionally discussed the operations of the county jail, describing it as a complex system that requires experience and careful management.
“It operates much like a small city,” Hurst said, noting responsibilities such as managing budgets and contracts, providing more than 1,500 meals daily, operating a medical unit, and maintaining the safety of approximately 500 individuals.
He emphasized that the role of Sheriff requires more than good intentions.
“It requires preparation, experience, and the ability to lead an organization of this size with steady judgment and discipline,” Hurst said.
Hurst said his goal is to continue building a Sheriff’s Office that is “professional, capable, and worthy of the trust placed in it by the people of Calhoun County.”
He concluded by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve and asking for voter support in the upcoming election.
“I remain committed to being a public figure that you can actually talk to,” Hurst said.
Hurst is seeking election in the Republican Primary scheduled for Tuesday, May 19.
For more information, Hurst provided the following contact details:
- Website: hurstforsheriff.com
- Email: Falon@hurstforsheriff.com
- Phone: 256-954-4444
- Facebook: facebook.com/SheriffHurst
