John Shearon
Republican · AL · Chilton County Sheriff
John Shearon has been Chilton County sheriff since 2015. He started as a volunteer reserve deputy in 1996, later worked as a deputy and police investigator, and has named drug crime as a main challenge.
Where John Shearon stands, based on their records
Supports
Public Safety and Crime Control (5 records)
Track record
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 5 support
Gave patrol deputies heart defibrillators and bought a CPR machine. His office paid for them with a grant from opioid settlement money.
February 24, 2026Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: chiltoncountyso.org
Secured a $50,000 state grant to fight domestic violence. It paid for deputy training, a domestic violence coordinator, and an advocate for victims.
April 3, 2025Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: wbrc.com
Opened a victim services unit in his office at the county courthouse. It helps crime victims with court dates, repayment, shelter, and counseling. A federal grant paid 75% of the cost, and the county paid 25%.
August 12, 2024Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: abc3340.com
Won a state traffic safety grant for his office. The money paid deputies for extra patrols and checkpoints on problem roads.
October 2, 2017Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: chiltoncountyso.org
Told the public to turn in all kratom after the state banned the drug on May 10, 2016. He warned it has effects like heroin and can slow breathing.
May 11, 2016Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: chiltoncountyso.org
Track record — General
General · 8 records
Decided not to file charges against a person who shot puppies. The dogs had killed chickens and cats on the person's land. He said the person had the right to protect their property.
September 20, 2026
Source: wbrc.com
Endorsed Katherine Robertson for Alabama attorney general. He said ties between police and the attorney general's office had never been better.
October 19, 2025
Source: alabamagazette.com
Took the oath for a third term as sheriff on Jan. 17, 2023. He became only the second sheriff in county history to serve three terms.
January 17, 2023
Source: clantonadvertiser.com
Gave a grace period during COVID-19 to people whose concealed carry permits ran out from Jan. 1 to April 30, 2020. His office honored those expired permits until the courthouse reopened.
April 7, 2020
Source: chiltoncountyso.org
Refused to give a civil rights group records on how he used jail food money. He said state law did not make the records public. He also declined to say whether he kept leftover food money.
October 10, 2018
Source: theappeal.org
Started gun safety classes for county residents. The classes teach safe handling, accurate shooting, and when it is legal to use a gun.
February 28, 2017
Source: chiltoncountyso.org
Worked with the county commission to set up a merit board for sheriff's office workers. The board hears appeals when workers are fired or suspended. He also created a hiring board to screen job applicants, saying it stops jobs from going to friends.
May 31, 2016
Source: clantonadvertiser.com
Won the general election for Chilton County sheriff with 8,225 votes (71.7%). He beat independent Eddie Price (1,705) and Democrat Terry Wilson (1,541).
November 4, 2014
Source: clantonadvertiser.com
Past race John Shearon ran in:
- Chilton County Sheriff · November 3, 2026 · Chilton County, Alabama · incumbent