Anniston, AL – On April 1, 2025, Sheriff Matthew Wade formally retired from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office leaving an important decision up to the Governor. While Governor Ivey was vetting people interested in filling the position, Chief Deputy Lynde Meeder, was temporarily sworn in as acting sheriff to ensure continuity of service. Earlier today it was officially announced by the Governor’s office that Falon Hurst was to be appointed the new Sheriff of Calhoun County.
In a small courtroom ceremony attended by most of the courthouse staff and judges, Presiding Judge Shannon Page swore Sheriff Hurst into his new position. Sheriff Hurst’s wife, Kristin, held the bible that was used for the swearing in. Sheriff Hurst started his law enforcement career in Georgia where he was an officer for five years before coming to Calhoun County. He started at the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy and was later promoted to the rank of corporal, which is in charge of training new deputies. He then went on to become a patrol sergeant and later was promoted to lieutenant. As lieutenant he was assigned different divisions as patrol, court services, dispatch, school resource officers, and investigations. Sheriff Hurst was most recently promoted to captain where he was the Jail Administrator. In 2024 Sheriff Hurst completed the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
The Calhoun Journal spoke with the new Sheriff do discuss his new appointment. Sheriff Hurst stated, “The first thing I want to do is to quell any anxiety within. It is normal for staff to become nervous when any new sheriff takes office, but I want to make sure everyone sees this as a positive.” The Sheriff went on to explain that he plans to “Continue business as usual” without implementing any major changes. Sheriff Hurst then stated, “Everyone here is doing a great job, and I want to make the Sheriff’s Office the best place to work in our area”. We asked if there were any changes planned within the ranks and he replied, “Since I have been placed as Sheriff there is now a vacant Captain position. Over the next few weeks, I will need to promote some people in order to fill positions.”
Sheriff Hurst wanted to thank Sheriff Wade, “I could not have done it without Sheriff Wade. It was his big heart for this county that really showed who he was. I will keep working hard to show the same compassion for our community and to keep everyone safe.”
The Sheriff also thanked the Governor, “I want to thank Governor Ivey for her confidence in allowing me to protect this community and to appoint me as Sheriff.” He went on the share his thanks to, “Everyone that supported me through all this. It feels very good to know they were behind me.”
Sheriff Hurst will remain in the position until the next election in 2026 where he will have to go through general elections.
