Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson to seek sheriff's post in DeKalb County, Ala.

DeKalb County Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson poses with his wife, Jody, and their children, Paisley, Jeremiah and Alexis.
DeKalb County Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson poses with his wife, Jody, and their children, Paisley, Jeremiah and Alexis.

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - The chief deputy of the DeKalb County, Ala., Sheriff's Office is hoping to move up to the top spot.

Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson announced Friday he is running to replace Sheriff Jimmy Harris, who is retiring.

In a news release, Edmondson said, "For over 17 years with the Sheriff's Office, I have been committed to serving and protecting the citizens of DeKalb County," and he has the experience and commitment to do the job.

"Done right, the duties of Sheriff require being on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and ably directing and managing an office with over 100 employees, a federally approved state-of-the-art detention facility, seasoned deputies patrolling all 779 square miles of DeKalb County, and excellent investigative officers bringing criminals before the courts.

Edmondson said the job requires developing programs to stop "the scourge of drugs and addiction"; educating the public on safety and security practices; and using inmates in public service.

Edmondson graduated from Crossville High School and earned an associate's degree in criminal justice from Gadsden State Community College. He joined the DeKalb sheriff's office in 2000 as a corrections officer and earned a certificate in jail management before being promoted to deputy and completing the Northeast Alabama Police Academy. He rose through the ranks and was made chief deputy in 2009.

He and his wife, Jody, have three children and are licensed foster parents to two others. They are members of Macedonia No. 2 church, where he teaches Sunday school, and he serves on numerous boards including the United Givers Fund of DeKalb County, the Bread of Life Ministries and the Northeast Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board.

In his statement, Edmondson said: "The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has the best deputies, officers and employees in the state of Alabama. I am proud to serve with them. I look forward to serving with them and serving DeKalb County for many years to come."

Harris announced earlier this month he would not seek a fourth term and will retire in January 2019.

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